Penn State Extension introduces new Lackawanna 4‑H educator and upcoming programs

Representatives from Penn State Extension briefed the Lackawanna County Board of Commissioners on Oct. 1, highlighted recent outreach in the county and introduced Kristin Armstrong as the county’s new 4‑H educator.

Jennifer (identified as client relationship manager, Penn State Extension) told commissioners that a recent Penn State Extension event on Sept. 16 drew roughly 75–100 visitors to the county lobby and showcased master gardeners, watershed stewards, nutrition links and 4‑H programming. She promoted a live webinar, “Kinship Family Forum: Helping Families Thrive,” scheduled for Oct. 15; the webinar requires preregistration at extension.psu.edu.

Kristin Armstrong, the newly hired Lackawanna County 4‑H educator, said she began the role three weeks prior to Oct. 1 and described partnerships already underway, including programming with Johnson's College and library systems. Armstrong said planned activities include a multi‑county 4‑H Olympics to reduce travel burdens for families, a carpentry club, a plant club at the Abington Community Library and a new My P.I. program being developed for first responders in coordination with Carbondale officials.

Armstrong described 4‑H as offering alternatives to traditional sports and arts programming that expose youth to STEM, horticulture, agriculture and life skills training. She told the board: “If you give to the community, the community will give back to you,” and said Penn State Extension aims to strengthen partnerships across the county to expand access to 4‑H offerings.

Commissioners thanked the extension representatives and previewed the county’s role in hosting and promoting local educational programs.