Extension Readjusts Mission To Reflect Budget Cuts

Supporters and staffers of Penn State Extension from five counties celebrated another successful year of programs ranging from youth development to water conservation and public education during the annual gathering at the Emporium Firehall. Featured speaker Mary Jo Depp Nestlerode, associate director of Penn State Extension, detailed the organization’s restructuring in the wake of significant budget cuts. While some of the changes have been challenging, including the loss of personnel, Extension has been able to adjust its mission by targeting its programs and services and relying less on geographic boundaries. District Manager Don Tanner expressed his appreciation to staff and volunteers who have remained committed to Extension’s core mission during the transition. Tanner is now responsible for operations in five counties. Extension staffers positioned themselves at more than a half-dozen displays to explain particulars of the agency’s services. Among them was Extension educator and water specialist Jim Clark, who has been an important ally in water protection and education initiatives in Potter County.