Michigan State University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

Mission

Michigan State University helps people

improve their lives through an educational

process that applies knowledge to critical issues, needs and

opportunities.

Staff housed in

Contact Us

www.msue.msu.edu/

2011 Participation Numbers

4-H Children & Youth programs ............................................................... 1642

4-H Members (Traditional Club Enrollment) ................... 1115 4-H Adult and Youth Volunteers ........................................... 208 Short Term/Special Interest Participants ............................. 319 4-H Clubs ......................................................................................... 21 Agriculture & Agribusiness programs ....................................................... 287

Greening Michigan programs ....................................................................... 612

Health & Nutrition programs ..................................................................... 2189

Total ....................................................................................................... 4730

Charlevoix County

2011-2012 Annual Report

Message From the District Coordinator

MSU Extension in Charlevoix County continues to provide local educational programming and impacts to meet Charlevoix County and Michigan’s needs. Extension staff members have worked diligently to maintain programming and reach as many residents as possible each year. Educators and paraprofessionals have worked hard to supplement programs with creative and inventive ways of providing programming at reduced costs.

MSUE is striving to have specialized professional staff members in each area of the state who engage in multi-county collaborative efforts. Our goal is to reaffirm our commitment to providing educational programming that enhances and improves the overall quality of lives for residents in Charlevoix County and across the state. As this report shows, we are delivering well in our new programmatic and administrative structure.

I am very pleased to provide you with this annual report which gives a “snapshot” of the many transformative educational programs and resources MSU Extension provided in your community over the past year. As we look towards the future, I look forward to continuing the strong relationship with Charlevoix County and throughout District 3.

Sincerely,

Patrick I Cudney, District 3 Coordinator

Michigan State University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

Mission

Michigan State University helps people

improve their lives through an educational

process that applies knowledge to critical issues, needs and

opportunities.

Staff housed in Charlevoix

County

Dean Solomon Natural Resources &

Land Use

Leah Herrick 4-H Youth Development

Megan Rapelje Health & Nutrition

Kim Stevens Office Manager

Contact Us

319B North Lake Street

Boyne City, MI 49712

(231) 582-6232 www.msue.msu.edu/

4-H Children & Youth Educational Programs 2

The Charlevoix County 4-H Program currently has an enrollment of 1115

youth in 21 4-H clubs and 8 county committees. These clubs and committees are

supported by 142 adult and 66 youth volunteers. Health, food & nutrition,

physical fitness, community service, communications, leadership, plant science,

earth science, crafts, market livestock, animals, and citizenship are some of the

project areas that the clubs offer.

» Kettunen Center is the Michigan 4-H leadership training facility, located in Tustin, Michigan. Throughout the year, workshops are offered for volunteers to learn project and youth development skills that they can use back in their county program. During this past program year, 15 Charlevoix County adult and youth volunteers attended these trainings: Veterinary Science; Beef, Sheep & Swine projects; Horse projects; and leadership.

» 4-H Exploration Days at MSU provides youth age 11-19 with the opportunity to experience life on a college campus. The 4-day event held in June each year gives over 2,400 4-H members a chance to live in the dorms, experience a college setting, and be self-directing and responsible for getting themselves where they need to be. This year, 11 youth and one adult attended from Charlevoix County, stayed in Hubbard Hall and participated in classes, workshops, awards ceremony and a community service project.

Exploration Days

2012 at the Capital

“4-H has taught my children responsibility… and given them so much to be proud of!”

-Megan Healey 4-H Leader &

Parent

4-H Children & Youth Educational Programs 3

» Emmet-Charlevoix County Fair - this year-end event is held in mid-August and is an opportunity for 4-H youth to showcase their projects. The 4-H projects are exhibited in the Community Center where clubs set up their booths to display the member’s projects as well as their club’s community service activities. Over 1,800 exhibits are on display in that building and over 500 animal projects can be found in the many livestock barns. Members involved in animal projects are kept busy participating in the 10 horse shows, 15 livestock shows, 5 small animal shows, 2 dog agility classes. 2 exotic animal shows and the livestock auction. Non-competitive events are offered for the Cloverbud members (age 5-8) and free-time events include scavenger hunts, a 4-H dance sponsored by the fairboard, and an “Ask Me” pen where youth volunteer their time to meet the public and answer questions about their 4-H projects. Over 30 teen leaders serve as mentors for the younger members as they serve on barn duty and offer showmanship clinics; adult volunteers provide leadership as barn superintendents, show day’s clerks, announcers, award presenters, and overnight barn duty workers. Adults and teens are also instrumental in setting up the Community Center the week before the fair and the tear-down of the exhibits at the end of the week. The fair is a wonderful opportunity for the 4-H members who exhibit and participate in the many fair events. It is also a great opportunity to promote the 4-H program, volunteer opportunities, and youth development opportunities available to the youth in our county.

» Charlevoix County 4-H – Northstar Film Production Academy — Aside from the technical aspect of learning how to create a video, other important life-skills were realized through the 4-H Video & Communications Project. The project served as an important vehicle to teach youth more about leadership, citizenship, civic engagement, teamwork, problem solving, critical thinking, and ethical decision making. Youth work together to create a health, fitness, and nutrition video from start to finish.

Katelyn Skornia and

her Market Livestock

Steer Project at Fair

2012

“4-H means meet-

ing new people

while having fun,

helping others,

traveling, and

learning how to

be responsible!”

- Nicole Wilks,

4-H Leader

and Parent

» Take A Day On - Charlevoix County 4-H youth participate in an annual (12th year) community service learning project called TAKE A DAY ON! This is an event where youth get to take a day off of school and take a day on for an organization in their local community. In 2011 the event was at Northern Michigan Antique Flywheeler’s Club in Walloon Lake and in 2012 the event was held at the Beaver Island Community Center on Beaver Island. We had approximately 60 people in attendance in 2011 and 25 in 2012. Students learn about the history of the organization, its role in the community, take a tour of the facility, and get a current youth volunteer’s perspective on how and why they help this organization. The Charlevoix County 4-H youth then help out the organization by volunteering their time to clean up the facility, rake, paint trash cans, or plant flowers, whatever the organization could use an extra hand with. The youth also collected many donations ahead of time for the organization they will be visiting such as a variety of flowers and plants to beautify the grounds or board games and magazines for members of the community to use at the center.

» Farm to School—Boyne Falls Public Schools is one of more than 30

northwest Michigan schools planning to buy local food products from farmers and offering them in the school cafeteria. An MSU statewide survey found that seventy-three percent of school food service directors would like to do so, too. Nine thousand schools in 39 states across America have farm-to-school programs. The Farm-to-School program at Boyne Falls Public Schools is being led by school youth who have formed a 4-H Healthy Living Club. Aside from offering fresh local farm produce, students are raising funds to construct a hoop-house that will be used to grow food that will be offered in the school cafeteria. The hoop-house will also be used as a science lab where students can experiment with plants and record their scientific findings.

4-H Children & Youth Educational Programs

Take A Day On

at Beaver Island—

2012

4

“4-H to me

means to help

out as much as

you can and to

be dedicated to

your projects

and work hard.”

-Brielle Healey,

4-H member

» Cloverbud Camp – is a week long day camp for youth ages five to eight years old. We explore hands-on activities, and use our imaginations to create exciting arts and crafts that go with each year’s theme. Short bus or walking field trips were also planned to many exciting places in the community. In 2011 our first year, 25 youth and teen counselors were sent on a jungle safari in Charlevoix County. Youth learned about the cocoa plant that grows in the jungle from a trip to Kilwins, animal health from Lake Street Vet Clinic, a jungle expedition at Boyne District Library, and wrapped up the week with a hands-on learning experience from Raven Hill Discovery Center with animals you would find in the jungle.

» Sports and Fitness Clubs use Jump Into Food & Fitness (JIFF) curriculum: Charlevoix County 4-H offers a wide range of sports education to its local youth such as: spring soccer, summer soccer camps, fall soccer, travel soccer, sailing, sailing races, swimming, golf, tennis, and wrestling. Adult and teen leaders have fun teaching the sport while tackling the serious business of teaching kids about healthy food choices and the importance of being physically active and how it pertains to the sport they are learning. The JIFF, research-based curriculum is designed for adults and older teens to use with kids aged 8 to 11 (grades 3 to 5). "Jiff the Joey" sets the stage for each of the eight "Kangaroo Jumps" or sessions in JIFF. Fun nutrition, physical fitness and food safety learning activities are integrated into the program, which uses the MyActivity Pyramid and the MyPyramid for Kids.

4-H Children & Youth Educational Programs 5

Cloverbud Camp at Lake

Street Vet Clinic—Ally

Herrick looking at blood

through a microscope

Agriculture & Agribusiness Educational Programs

Supporting agriculture—Michigan’s second-largest industry—is key to a

brighter future. Michigan State University Extension works to increase farmers’

success while protecting the environment, ensuring food safety, reaching new

markets and advancing agriculture through applied research.

» Evaluation at Tree Fruit IPM Updates results — Forty-three participants out of 111 attendees completed surveys. All participants self-identified as growers except for one manager and one consultant. Respondents to the survey represented 15,055 acres of fruit production in Michigan, including tart cherry (10,232 acres), sweet cherry (2,609 acres), apple (2,011 acres), plum (10 acres), peach (37 acres), and winegrape (19 acres). Ninety-five percent of respondents reported scouting for insects and diseases to determine the need for a pesticide application. Seventy-two percent reported scouting for beneficial insects such as lacewings and predatory mites. Ninety-one percent use weather and biology based recommendation from MSU to determine the need for pesticide management. Based on MSU programming, content respondents reported that 51% utilize a safe mix/load pad to prevent soil and water contamination, 36% have closed a well on their property to prevent groundwater contamination, 45% have built new (or improved existing) pesticide storage facilities, 82% use air gaps to prevent groundwater contamination, and 74% use tree row volume to minimize the quantity of pesticides applied.

» Saskatoon Grower Support – MSUE educators, working with campus specialists, assisted Saskatoon growers in the district through on-site visits to discuss management issues, conduct a variety trial at the NW Michigan Horticultural Research Station, and provide pesticide recommendations.

» New FARM Program—Participants of the program were actively involved in developing the program goals, planning the sessions and tours, and seeking funds for the program. These are tried-and-tested skills that translate into sustained future efforts. Now that this group has been working together over several years, they have learned how to target resources that fit their goals and

6

New FARM group

traveling to New

Zealand to

experience other

forms of farming

interests. The program members also recognize the benefits of diverse funding, including support from local grant funders, to achieve their collective or regional goals. The best parts of the New FARM program, especially sessions/workshops/tours that show significant outcomes and impacts in reaching program goals, will be continued on an annual basis in the region by the program coordinators and their partners. The grantees and current project coordinators remain committed to the long-term goals of the New FARM program. Also, community support remains high for the New FARM program and its members. Media, local stakeholders, elected officials, and the public at-large have expressed an interest in future New FARM efforts. Members of the New FARM comprise a diverse subset of the farming community in Northwest Michigan. As a result of the Rotary Charities funding, our New FARM members and thus agricultural interests in northwest Michigan are better positioned to serve community needs. As this program focused on building leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, the New FARM participants possess an improved skill set to draw on for leadership positions on community boards, local and state office to affect agricultural policy, for communication with media outlets, to facilitate on and off-farm controversies, and to take a more active role as community members.

» Ag Labor and Farm Safety—MSU Extension worked with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Department on making E-Verify training materials available for Agriculture Labor programs in Michigan. One meeting was held in Grand Rapids area and one at the NW Michigan Hort Research Station. The program also included speakers from the Michigan Workforce Development Agency, ICE, Farm Bureau and a local labor attorney. After a morning session focusing on labor laws and labor availability, producers participated in a Farm Safety update in the afternoon (TC location only). Over 80 people attended the Grand Rapids session and 25 in Traverse City.

“While traveling to New

Zealand we got to learn

a lot about other forms

of farming and other

commodities. Since we

are cherry farmers we

have known a lot about

the cherry industry,

since this trip I got to

know a lot more about

the other industries in

our own community

such as grapes, wine,

and hops as well as

others. After being in

this group, I have real-

ized that there are

things that can be done

to help us make it in

farming. I believe that

we need more young

people getting into

farming for the love of

it. I’ve seen this love in

our group as well as our

family and business.

Maybe now that the

housing market has

settled, more and more

land will get back to

farming or at least not

losing much more.”

— New FARM

participant

Agriculture & Agribusiness Educational Programs 7

» HOPS—Growing appeal with specialty beers, and the desire for organic and locally sourced agricultural products have resulted in increasing interest in local hop production by farmers, brewers, and backyard enthusiasts throughout Michigan. Over the last 5,000 years, hops (Humulus lupulus L.) have been used for medicinal purposes, as a salad ingredient, as a sleep aid in pillows, and perhaps most importantly as an essential ingredient in beer production. The female flower “cones” of the hop plant contain lupulin glands with compounds important to the brewing process. These compounds, including alpha acids, beta acids, and essential oils, contribute to beer’s bitterness and aroma. Since hosting the first hop workshop in Michigan in 2008, MSU Extension has provided statewide leadership for hops related education, outreach, and research. In August 2011 MSU Extension hosted its annual Northwest Michigan Summer Hops Tour- it was attended by over 75 people. In addition to providing outreach and education MSUE conducts on-farm research to determine which varieties grow best in our unique climate as well as best management practices. Our efforts and collaborations have resulted in development of a new agriculture industry in Michigan; the Grand Traverse Region leads the state in hops production and investment in hops picking and processing. There are currently over 100 acres of hops planted in northwest lower Michigan and three functioning hop picking and processing operations .

Agriculture & Agribusiness Educational Programs 8

Hops grower Dan Wiesen and Dr. Rob Sirrine lead a group of 60 partici-

pants near Empire, MI on growing hops in the Great Lakes Region.

» Regional Agricultural Business Partnership—Farmers and other agriculture businesses can access a variety of assistance programs through the new Northwest Michigan Regional Agriculture Business Services Partnership. The partnership brings together the services of an Agriculture Innovation Counselor, an Agriculture Business Counselor, and the Northwest Michigan Agriculture and Food System Sector Alliance. The partnership will offer assistance in a variety of ways including product development, marketing, business plans, financing, education and training, and farm production and distribution. The Regional Agriculture Business Partnership was formed by the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments (NWMCOG), Michigan State University Extension, the MSU Product Center, and the Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center (MI-SBTDC). The Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA) has also been instrumental in providing leadership to form this partnership. Funding for the partnership is being provided by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and MSU Extension.

» Northern Michigan Small Farm Conference— Over 700 small farm enthusiasts attended the 12th Annual conference held at the Grayling High School on January 28, 2012. With topics as diverse as “Can you be a small farm dairy millionaire” to “How Social Media can promote your Farm or Market” this conference continues to be the Michigan’s largest gathering of Value-Added Agriculture entrepreneurs. Besides the keynote address, attendees choose from 28 different workshops offered throughout the day. MSUE staff participates in the planning and facilitation of the NMSFC and led many of the workshop sessions.

Agriculture & Agribusiness Educational Programs 9

Meet the NW Michigan Agriculture Business Team (L-R :Tom Coon-MSU Exten-sion, Susan Cocciarelli – NW Ag and Food System Sector Alliance, Elaine Wood –

NWMCOG, Wendy Wieland – MSU Extension/Product Center, Annie Shetler – SBTDC, Brenda Rau – MSU Product Center, Mary Rogers – MI-SBTDC)

» Vineyard Research Plots – studies at the Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Station generated valuable information on the productivity and fruit quality of over twenty wine grape cultivars under northwest Michigan conditions. Novice growers and viticulture students gained experience in vineyard management by assisting with the maintenance and data collection in these plots.

» Canola Production Program — programs held February 14, 2011 in Bruce Township Hall in the Eastern UP and February 15th in Escanaba. The program helped canola production acres to continue to grow in northern Michigan.

» Home Horticulture/Master Gardener program—An average of 25-40 clients per week are assisted with questions related to home gardens, soil testing, and fertilizer recommendations. In the past year, the office has received a significant increase of questions on Emerald Ash Borer, which has become much more widespread in the region. Other common topics included fertilizer recommendations, advice on cleaning up trees after the March 2012 storm, rose chafers, and starting a home garden.

» Calf Care Program — Calf Care Schools were held in eight locations around Michigan in 2011. The three were held in Cadillac, West Branch and Cheboygan with 39, 40, and 13 producers in attendance, respectively. On-site evaluations from the first five sessions held in the spring (includes Cadillac and West Branch) asked individuals to rate their knowledge, understanding of their job, and enthusiasm for their job before and after the program. Results were 3.19 before to 4.37 after, 3.75 before to 4.50 after, and 4.03 before to 4.61 after respectively. These results should lead to employees

Agriculture & Agribusiness Educational Programs 10

that are more valuable to their employers and also lead to decreased job turnover. In a follow-up survey of those that attended one of these five sessions, 83% of respondents (n=30) indicated that there were changes made to their calf care program as a result of these schools. 100% of respondents also indicated that they felt that these Calf Care Schools by MSU Extension have helped their employees to be more valuable to the farm operation, and over 48% felt that this would impact employee retention on their farm.

» Labor Management Series—The Dairy Team held a series of programs on February 20-24, 2012. Each site averaged 27 attendees. On-site evaluations were conducted at each location to access impact. 92% of respondents (n=53) indicated that they planned to change a management practice as a result of this program. 100% said that they felt the program would improve their employee management skills and 98% felt that it would improve their communication skills. Of those that responded positively to the management and communication impact questions (n=51), 98% felt that these improvements would impact employee retention either somewhat or definitely (64.7, 33.3 respectively). Weekly follow up emails are being sent to encourage producers to follow through on planned management changes.

» Pork Quality Assurance Training: This training was offered on May 14, 2012 at the Cheboygan Library. The program and certification focuses on breed selection, nutrition and overall care of swine.

Agriculture & Agribusiness Educational Programs 11

Greening Michigan Educational Programs

MSU Extension has been focusing education efforts on community food systems,

financial, housing and energy resources, community prosperity and natural

resources appreciation and stewardship.

» Michigan Northern Counties Association—Bringing county commissioners together from 33 counties in northern lower Michigan to learn about issues important to county government, and to share information and learn from the experiences of others has long been the goal of the Michigan Northern Counties Association (MNCA). Recent topics include: law enforcement, state revenue sharing history and changes, community mental health, and substance abuse and the impacts of these issues on county government services. Current discussions are focused on shared services. Monthly meetings also include a legislative update from the Michigan Association of Counties.

» New Economy — MSU Extension has been focusing education efforts on preparing Michigan counties and municipalities for the global or new economy. The goal is for local officials to have (1) an increased core competency in global, or new economy: how Michigan got to where it is, old and new economy comparison, global competition, knowledge economy, possible actions for prosperity, barriers to success; (2) regional economic development, planning principles and best practices, asset assessment, placemaking and place-based strategies; (3) relevant data and analysis, Greening Michigan, entrepreneurship, science of place in the new economy, and regional "asks"; and (4) to put those concepts into practice.

Based on surveys for other NW Michigan and Upper Peninsula programs local government preparedness for the new economy has started: two out of three local governments have started cooperative planning regionally, everyone indicated confidence to inventory their assets for asset-based economic planning and to incorporate economic planning in the master plan.

12

“The New

Economy is

already

here. This over-

simplifies, but

those local

governments

that incorporate

new economic

principles into

its thinking,

planning, and

community de-

velopment will

thrive in the

coming years.

Those that do

not, will not do

as well or will

not do well at

all.”

— Kurt L. Schindler,

AICP,

Land Use Educator

Forest landowners

participating in the

Ties to the Land

Program, 2011

Yet others have already made tangible changes –actions on the ground- as a

result of this program: Creating a non-government placemaking group

Regional way finding signs

Survey of assets

Zoning changes

An asset inventory is adopted in one community, and three more intend to do so. Asset-based strategies for economic planning have been adopted by one community, and three more intend to do so. Two communities have an economic section in their master plan, and two intend to do so.

» Citizen Planner - Educational presentation included discussion and practical information and tools related to models of public-policy decision-making, encouraging public participation in the planning process, conducting effective meetings and public hearings, making and documenting decisions, communicating effectively through speaking, listening, writing and nonverbal communication and resolving conflict. Three planning officials from Charlevoix County Communities participated in the course offered during Spring 2012 in Petoskey.

» Ties to the Land—Family forest Education. Over 40% of Michigan's vast forest lands are owned by non-corporate and individual forest landowners. More than 440,000 family forest or private landowners. There is another startling fact about private forest owners. A large proportion of these owners are aging fast—with over 39% of forest owners being 69 years of age or older. Thus, a shift in land ownership from one generation to the next will occur very soon as these current owners pass on. The MSUE Ties to the Land program is a broad overview of the interpersonal, financial and legal issues involved in successfully planning a transfer of forest property from one generation to the next. The Ties to the Land program is a DVD-driven

13 Greening Michigan Educational Programs

Ties to the Land

manual

curriculum developed by Oregon State University that is coupled with interactive discussion and planning activities. Additional resource materials as well as a panel of local professionals are incorporated into the Michigan program to offer general advice on estate planning to participants.

» Lake Charlevoix Education - Since Lake Charlevoix is a high quality, unimpaired water body, gauging success in water resources education efforts is particularly challenging. To address that issue, MSU Extension continued a grant-funded effort in cooperation with the Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council to conduct written surveys and focus groups to learn about watershed resident and local official’s attitudes and practices related to water quality protection. The studies indicated that there is strong recognition of the importance of high water quality to the area’s economy, although many are less aware of the specific threats and protection practices This information will help local agencies and organizations more efficiently target educational information to meet the needs of area residents and agencies. As part of this project, MSU Extension is working with the Lake Charlevoix Association to train “Lake Ambassadors”, and is facilitating a planning officials workgroup in six Lake Charlevoix communities to discuss opportunities for increasing coordination and consistency on shoreline zoning ordinances.

» Michigan Sea Grant — Coastal Aquatic Habitat/Healthy Coastal Ecosystems (MI Sea Grant Work Plan): Mark Breederland continued to conduct field research on waterfowl botulism kills utilizing a $5,000 grant for travel from the US Fish & Wildlife Service Coastal Grant. Overall, lower kill numbers were observed in 2011.

14 Greening Michigan Educational Programs

Lake Charlevoix Ambassador's Training, August 2012

» Building Strong Sovereign Nations—MSU Extension staff (Elaine Bush, John Amrhein, Emily Proctor, and Beth Prykucki) collaborated with Indian tribes of Michigan to offer a one-half day training to elected and appointed tribal leaders during the fall 2011 meeting of “United Tribes of Michigan.” The 2012 program will be October 9 at the Pokagon Band Four Winds Casino Resort.

» From Bootstraps to Purse Strings - Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC) Planning Committee – Petoskey – October 9, 2012. Overall purpose is to provide a launching pad for the various tools and programs available to assist communities nurture and grow entrepreneurs. To showcase the vast resources available through MSU that can be delivered through MSUE. To bring together other partner groups and organizations with resources to assist communities in this endeavor. To build “an army” of communities that are excited about entrepreneurship; can see the value entrepreneurs have in moving Michigan’s economy forward; and provide those communities with the tools to help entrepreneurs at a local level.

» City of East Jordan City Commission goal setting- Facilitated strategic planning and goal setting session with eight members of the East Jordan City Commission. Reviewed aspects of completed survey by commissioners related to “Analyzing Leadership Elements of an Organization”. Discussed various concepts related to management and governance and board meeting evaluation. Following this educational session, was asked to provide technical assistance with continued education of City Commissioners and overall search efforts for a new City Administrator. Facilitated a community forum involving over 60 people to gather desired qualities of the next City Administrator. Incorporated important desired

15 Greening Michigan Educational Programs

The city of East Jordan

traits with prescribed duties as outlined in the City Charter to develop a new comprehensive job description. Developed matrix tool to assist citizen review committee to narrow the pool of submitted applicant resumes. Reviewed previous position interview questions and incorporated important aspects as defined by community members to develop new interview questions, related to important position expectations and qualifications. Developed interview evaluation matrix tool for use by Commissioners and members of citizen committee to assist in determining best candidate for position. Designed and facilitated community presentation format to allow candidates to address the citizens of East Jordan, with feedback tool to collect impressions, to provide additional community impression information to City Commissioners. Designed employment inquiry form for use with previous positions of employment. The desired outcome is to offer this position to the candidate most qualified – with concurrence of community input. New administrator identified and hired.

» Charlevoix County Recycling Committee Strategic Planning—Facilitated strategic planning session with 24 members and interested partners of the Charlevoix County Recycling Committee. Reviewed historical aspects of recycling program and results of county-wide recycling survey to determine future goals and strategic objectives in order to maximize the county recycling program.

» FastTrac© New Venture™ Class - MSUE staff facilitated an 11-week, intensive business planning class for new or recently formed businesses in the spring of 2011. FastTrac© New Venture™ is an-depth curriculum offered by one of the countries’ premier entrepreneurship support organizations- the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. The class was held at the John Watson Community Building in Harbor Springs. Fourteen participants were looking to start or grow an early-stage business. As a result of the class, one entrepreneur started their business and two other businesses expanded their products and/or sales. A significant scholarship was available to all students to help defray the cost of the class that was funded by an MSU grant.

» Business Counseling—MSUE staff was a part of a counseling consortium (MSU Product Center, MI-SBTDC and NLEA). MSUE staff Wendy Wieland personally provided individual business counseling for Charlevoix county residents. Those businesses, were in the food/Agriculture/Bio economy business cluster.

16 Greening Michigan Educational Programs

» Entrepreneurship Education—Led by the NLEA (Northern Lakes Economic Alliance), a multi-stakeholder group helps to staff and support the counties three Business Resource Centers. These centers provide access to computers, technical resources and research on business related topics. In addition to certified counselors for the MSUE Product Center and Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center holding regular office hours, the centers are the location of the monthly ‘Fundamentals of Business’ class. Charlevoix counties Business Resource Centers are located at the Boyne City Library, Charlevoix Library and at East Jordan Library.

» Farmers Market Support—MSUE staff person Wendy Wieland continues to serve the Farmers Market community. MSUE staff also Expertise for planning, marketing, managing and evaluation are available to any area farmers markets through MSUE and the Michigan Farmers Market Association.

» Local Food Alliance of Northern Michigan— Petoskey Harbor Community approached MSUE staff and additional area partners in the fall of 2011 to learn what needs were regarding small agriculture and food entrepreneurship in Emmet and surrounding counties. By working congruently with MSUE staff and others their leadership and financial support has resulted in the newly formed Local Food Alliance of Northern Michigan. The group hopes to effect change through community outreach and support of local agriculture and consumers. Members have worked closely with Crooked Tree

Arts Center; Institute for Sustainable Living, Art & Natural Design; and the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Community Foundation to help organize and promote the Farm to Frame Juried photo contest and exhibition this coming fall. http://www.crookedtree.org They also are organizing a Local Foods Week, October 22-27, 2012 with a variety of activities happening at NCMC and all throughout the area.

» NCMC Fall Food & Farming Classes—MSUE staff will join other agricultural experts in teaching a variety of classes that NCMC’s Corporate and Community Education Department will offer during the fall of 2012.

17 Greening Michigan Educational Programs

The Health and Nutrition Institute provides education for families around

several areas: Disease Prevention and Management, Social/Emotional and Health,

Improving Nutrition and Physical Activity, and Food Safety.

» Chronic Disease Self-Management (PATH) - Participants of the MSU Extension PATH (Personal Action Toward Health) programs report improved symptom management including decreased worry, decreased fearfulness about future health, and fewer frustrations about health problems. At the end of the series, PATH participants show decreased symptoms of fatigue, decreased shortness of breath, and decreased self-reported pain. Other program benefits show increased physical activity and improved communication with physicians including preparing a list of questions to ask during a healthcare visit. Participants report higher self-efficacy after attending the program and show improved self-rated health scores. PATH is an evidence-based, 6-week program that delivers health information to empower people to assume an active role in managing their chronic conditions. During 2011, there were 42 PATH series held by MSUE reaching 406 adults. The prevalence of chronic disease is high in Michigan. Chronic diseases are among the most prevalent, costly, and preventable of all health issues. Education and information allow Michigan residents to manage their disease and make efficient use of the healthcare system, as well as, lead healthy lifestyles.

» Improving Nutrition and Physical Activity—The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – Education (SNAP-Ed) provides nutrition education to Bridge card eligible adults and children. This program focuses on improving dietary quality and increasing physical activity while stretching food dollars. The ultimate goal of these programs is to promote healthy weight maintenance and obesity prevention. During the past year in Charlevoix County, 438 adults and 158 youth were reached through nutrition education classes at various venues in the county. There were a total of 963 contacts with these groups.

Health & Nutrition Educational Programs

18

Boyne City Cooking

Matters participants

preparing Herb Roasted

Vegetables with the

help of Chef Dennis

Crissman (not pictured).

Health & Nutrition Educational Programs

Adult Impacts:

90% of adults who participated in the nutrition education classes improved the dietary quality of their daily food consumption. 54% of adults followed safe food handling practices. 79% of adults reported an improvement in their food resource management practices. 90% of adults learned new ways to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into their meals and snacks 92% of adults reported that they will eat more fresh fruits and vegetables each day. Youth who participated in MSUE Nutrition Education classes were more

likely to: ◊ Read the nutrition information on food labels. ◊ Choose a healthy snack when they have the choice. ◊ Increase in choosing foods from all five food groups. ◊ Consume fruits or vegetables. MSUE provided nutrition education on the benefits of a diet full of fruits and vegetables for the Project FRESH program. This program enabled older adults and mothers with young children to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at Charlevoix County Farmer's Markets. Project FRESH generated over $8,500 in revenue for local farmers.

Food Safety—Twenty-five residents in Charlevoix County participated in food preservation classes as well as received telephone support to answer their canning questions. 97% of participants reported increased knowledge of how to properly process their home canned foods. 94% of participants reported that they will use research based recipes when canning food at home.

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Extension Educators Serving Charlevoix County John Amrhein - Public Policy Education amrhein@msu.edu Renee Applegate - Leadership/Civic Engagement applega1@msu.edu Jennifer Berkey - Food Safety berkeyj@msu.edu Mark Breederland - Coastal Communities Development breederl@msu.edu Elaine Bush - Firewise bushe@msu.edu Melanie Chiodini - Academic success chiodin1@msu.edu Bill Cook - Natural Resources cookwi@msu.edu Christina Curell - Environmental Quality curellc@msu.edu Joanne Davidhizar - Product Development davidhiz@msu.edu Thomas Dudek - Greenhouse dudek@msu.edu Phillip Durst - Ruminant durstp@msu.edu Erwin Elsner - Small Fruit elsner@msu.edu Elizabeth Ferry - Swine franzeli@msu.edu Merrill Gould - Livestock gouldm@msu.edu Thomas Guthrie - Pork & Equine guthri19@msu.edu Andy Hayes - Community Prosperity andy@northernlakes.net Philip Kaatz - Forage kaatz@msu.edu Russell Kidd - Natural Resources kidd@msu.edu Gerald Lindquist - Grazing Management lindquis@msu.edu Jackelyn Martin - Leadership/Civic Engagement marti623@msu.edu Gerald May - Air quality mayg@msu.edu Michael Metzger - Small ruminant metzgerm@msu.edu Stanley Moore - Dairy moorest@msu.edu Norm Myers - Vegetable myersn@msu.edu Martin Nagelkirk - Wheat/Crops nagelkir@msu.edu Michelle Neff - Academic success hydemich@msu.edu Jill O'Donnell - Christmas tree odonne10@msu.edu Dennis Pennington - Biomass pennin34@msu.edu Emily Proctor - Tribal Educator proctor8@msu.edu Natalie Rector - Nutrient Mgmt rector@msu.edu Diane Rellinger - Nutrition relling4@msu.edu Nikki Rothwell - Commercial Fruit rothwel3@msu.edu Kurt Schindler - Government & Public Policy schindl9@msu.edu Brandon Schroeder - Coastal Communities Development schroe45@msu.edu Jeannine Schweihofer - Meat quality grobbelj@msu.edu Dean Solomon - Land Use solomon@msu.edu Michael Staton - Soybean staton@msu.edu Rochelle Sturtevant - Coastal Communities Development sturtev1@msu.edu Curtis Talley, Jr - Business Mgmt talleycu@msu.edu Marilyn Thelen - Agriculture systems thelen22@msu.edu Nancy Thelen - Agriculture literacy thelenn@msu.edu Roxanne Turner - Leadership/Civic Engagement turnerr@msu.edu Christine Venema - Family Financial Literacy venema@msu.edu Brian Wibby - Leadership/Civic Engagement wibby@msu.edu Mary Wilson - Master Gardener wilsonm1@msu.edu