UGA Extension agent Emily Williams briefs commissioners on second-quarter programs and upcoming services

MADISON COUNTY, Ga. — Emily Williams of the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension gave the board a second-quarter update July 28 on agriculture, 4-H and Family & Consumer Sciences programs. Williams said extension activities in the quarter included a home vegetable-gardening class, a forage farm tour, collaborations with Hart County, a third-grade environmental summit, and ag days. For 4-H, she reported club meetings, summer programming and competitions (including archery, livestock and wildlife teams) and multiple summer camps in June and July. In Family & Consumer Sciences (FACS), Williams continued a program at the high school called "Independently Healthy" teaching life skills to special-education students, ran a heart-disease prevention lunch series at the government complex, completed food-preservation training and planned future classes and a walking-for-wellness program. Williams also announced a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) service will be offered at the extension office during tax season to prepare simple tax returns for qualifying residents, and that radon education is planned because radon is a concern in the county. Commissioners and staff encouraged Williams to coordinate with the senior center and county communications staff to publicize programs; staff said they would post events on the county website and Facebook page. Why this matters: Extension programming provides agricultural education, youth development through 4-H, life-skills and health programming, and direct services such as VITA tax assistance that support residents with low-cost or free services. Next steps: Williams will continue to deliver the planned programs, schedule food preservation classes and radon education, and coordinate publicity with county staff and senior services.