Day: March 18, 2020

OSU Extension Offices Close Due to Coronavirus Outbreak

Brooke Beam, PhD

Extension Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources/Community Development

Ohio State University Extension, Highland County

March 18, 2020

As we all follow the daily updates on the coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19), there are several updates from Ohio State University Extension. All of the OSU Extension offices in Ohio will be closed during the coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19) effective as of Wednesday, March 18, 2020. The university is committed to doing everything possible to promote the safety of our community as we respond to the COVID-19 outbreak. One of the best ways to prevent the spread of viral illnesses is to minimize the circumstances in which individuals might interact and transmit the disease. The university has requested that employees telework, hold meetings virtually, or postpone them.

The safety of our community is our top priority. We realize that our COVID-19 policy guidelines will cause disruption, but the risk of not acting outweighs the inconvenience of these temporary measures. We will share updates as more information becomes available. Learn how we’re working to keep our communities safe at wexnermedical.osu.edu/features/coronavirus.

Due to the change in local programming plans, we are planning to have several video updates on our social media pages, in particular our Facebook page and county blog. Tune-in for virtual programming on a variety of topics over the next few weeks. You can find us online under OSU Extension Highland County.

We are able to address your concerns and questions through emails, phone calls, and other virtual means. Please contact us for further assistance through the following means:

Kathy Bruynis, Area Leader and 4-H               937 – 500 – 6919        bruynis.5@osu.edu

Brooke Beam, ANR/CD                                   937 – 403 – 0993        beam.49@osu.edu

Danielle Combs, 4-H                                       937 – 217 – 7463        combs.311@osu.edu

Leeanna McKamey, SNAP Ed                          937 – 403 – 0138        mckamey.6@osu.edu

Tammy Newsome, Office Associate               937 – 403- 0883          newsome.95@osu.edu

Social distancing may be a challenge for some, but it is vitally important that we follow the guidelines to give the health care system a chance to keep up with the patients. The EPA has published a list of disinfectants that meet their criteria for use against COVID-19. The full list is available here: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2

In this challenging time, stay connected to your family, friends, and elderly neighbors. Calls, texts, and emails will mean a lot to people who are socially and geographically distanced from others. While this situation is definitely disrupting our daily lives, try to find something positive from this situation.

Follow OSU Extension Highland County on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and the county blog for up-to-date information about virtual programming that will be offered over the coming weeks. For more information, contact us using the numbers and emails listed above.

 

 

 

OSU Extension offices throughout Ohio will implement teleworking options for staff amid current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak concerns

Columbus, OHIO – Governor DeWine recently issued a state of emergency for the state of Ohio, and along with the Ohio Department of Health, has implemented a variety of strategies to reduce the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). To do our part in reducing risk to Ohio State University Extension employees or clientele, we have implemented a teleworking plan effective immediately, and all OSU Extension offices will be closed to the public until further notice.

This mirrors The Ohio State University’s decision earlier this week to close university buildings and facilities on all of its campuses to “critical services” only (such as law enforcement and public safety; hospitals and health services; facility utilities; and a few others).

While our physical offices will be closed, we are committed to continuing to conduct our work as fully as possible. Our employees are prepared to telework and are ready to serve their local clients and communities. In recent years, OSU Extension has invested in the technology needed to facilitate effective teleworking for our organization; and we will utilize our resources during this challenging situation to remain engaged with Ohioans. Clients, stakeholders, and other community members should continue to connect with any OSU Extension staff member via phone or email as usual.

Reopening of any county office facilities will depend on decisions from the governor and the state of Ohio, as well as The Ohio State University. The exact date when normal operations are expected resume in county Extension offices is unknown at this time. Until then, OSU Extension office staff will be working remotely and will remain accessible and available via email and phone. The health and well-being of our stakeholders, event participants, and employees is of utmost importance.

Each OSU Extension office has developed a business continuity plan that outlines how Extension staff will operate during situations such as the coronavirus outbreak. All staff will continue to work and serve local clientele through normal office hours (as previously determined by each county), and they will remain accountable for program management needs.

Please note that most Extension-planned activities from now through April 20 are now postponed, scheduled to be held virtually, or cancelled. If you have not already been contacted about an event or activity in which you were scheduled to participate and you have a question, please check with your local contact for that event.

Thank you for your cooperation and collaboration related to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The Ohio State University remains committed to the health and well-being of our community; and OSU Extension remains committed to serving our communities in each county as this situation evolves. These are unprecedented times, and we sincerely appreciate your flexibility and support.

If you have questions, please contact your local OSU Extension office.

Kathy Bruynis, Area Leader & 4-H, 937-500-6919, bruynis.5@osu.edu

Brooke Beam, ANR/CD, 937-403-0993, beam.49@osu.edu

Danielle Combs, 4-H, 937-217-7463, combs.311@osu.edu

Leanna McKamey, SNAP Ed, 937-403-0138, mckamey.6@osu.edu

Tammy Newsome, Office Associate, 937-500-6022, newsome.95@osu.edu

 

You can also visit extension.osu.edu/lao for office phone numbers and a direct link to each office’s website and staff directory. If you reach voice mail, please leave a message with your name and contact information, and you will be contacted as soon as possible. For information on the coronavirus and how to prevent its spread, or learn how the state of Ohio and The Ohio State University are working to keep our communities safe, visit:

Ohio Department of Heath

https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/

https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/home/resources/How-You-Can-Prevent-and-Prepare

 

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)—Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

 

The Ohio State University

https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/features/coronavirus

 

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4-H Youth Opportunities

Ohio State Fair opportunities

Ohio State Fair runs July 29th-August 9th.  This event allows additional opportunities for youth 4-H members to showcase their work on projects.  For youth to show their project at the Ohio State Fair, youth must be enrolled in the project they plan on taking.

Teen Opportunities 

4-H offers a wide variety of opportunities for teens to develop knowledge, skills, attitudes, and aspirations needed for adult success. The beginning point for teens to become involved in all 4-H opportunities is through local 4-H clubs.  Through these clubs, they have the opportunity to participate in activities that could include projects designed especially for teens, community service and citizenship activities.  After that there are many leadership opportunities at the county and state levels including numerous boards, committees and camping opportunities. http://www.ohio4h.org/families/just-teens

FCS Board

FCS Board applications are due April 25, 2019. Applications are available at:  https://highland.osu.edu/program-areas/4-h-youth-development/forms-applications-resources