BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — At a recent Kiwanis Club luncheon held at Shufflin Café in Inez, Martin County Cooperative Extension’s staff, Nicole Hinkle and David Pelphrey, presented an overview of the Extension Office’s diverse programs.
Hinkle, the 4-H program assistant, and Pelphrey, the agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources, shared insights into their roles, initiatives, and impact on the community.
Hinkle focused on the three primary areas of the Extension Office: family and consumer sciences, 4-H youth development, and agriculture and natural resources. She noted that the family and consumer sciences agent position is currently vacant in Martin County.
“We’re all filling in just trying to do some programs with that,” Hinkle commented.
She elaborated on the programs, including nurturing families, promoting healthy choices, empowering community leaders, and securing financial stability.
Hinkle also mentioned the previous FCS agent’s initiatives, like a recipe calendar and activities for primary schools.
The conversation then shifted to 4-H’s multifaceted programs.
“I could talk for days. I love my job,” Hinkle said.
She described working with children across all school levels on various topics, from emotional intelligence to civil engagement and leadership skills. The 4-H program includes areas such as agriculture, communication, expressive arts, and the “It’s Your Reality Program,” focusing on financial literacy and real-life simulations. Hinkle also highlighted the success of the 4-H pet show at the Harvest Fest and the annual camp, which in 2023 saw 54 children attend.
David Pelphrey, who joined the team in July after a diverse career in agriculture and education, discussed his recent initiatives. He shared news about receiving the GROW APPALACHIA grant, funded by Paul Mitchell and administered out of Berea College, to support organic gardening projects for food-insecure populations.
“You’ll get technical assistance from us. We’ll make visits to the families’ homes,” Pelphrey explained.
His plans include revitalizing the farmers market, starting a recovery garden, and reintroducing the Beekeepers Group, a Sheep and Goat group, and a beef organization.
Pelphrey also mentioned his goal to transform the greenhouse at the extension property into an educational center and to start an agriculture program at the high school.
“Agri-tourism is something that we could do here,” he added, reflecting his vision for local economic development.
In conclusion, Hinkle encouraged residents to participate in a community assessment survey on the Martin County Cooperative Extension Office Facebook page to shape future programs and initiatives.