Another fresh new year is here. Another year to live! To banish worry, doubt, and fear, to love and laugh and give! by William Arthur Ward

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1 Hello, My name is Jeffrey Gellermann, the new University of Florida/IFAS Extension Director for Martin County. I started with the Martin County Team on September 30th and have greatly enjoyed the past four months meeting and getting to know all of you, and look forward to great things in 2014! This is the time of year though, that we reflect back on the year past, raise a toast to our accomplishments, celebrate our successes and reminisce about our losses. Another fresh new year is here. Another year to live! To banish worry, doubt, and fear, to love and laugh and give! by William Arthur Ward Accomplishments in 2013! During 2013, the combined divisions of the Extension Service provided over 6,700 consultations and group learning events reaching 35,000 residents in person, and over 100,000 contacts through the various media sources with our educational programs. We utilized 243 trained volunteers in our program delivery, where these volunteers donated 15,300 hours for the year, with a value of over $275,000 in savings to the county and state. Thank you to all of our partners and our dedicated volunteers that made our work possible! 4-H JP Gellermann, 4-H Agent Kim Bentz, 4-H Program Assistant Special thanks goes out to all of our 4-H volunteers who have taken time out of their schedules to build parade floats, judge projects or provide our youth with a true role model! Thank you

2 Thank you to Kim Bentz our 4-H Program Assistant who has worked tirelessly to ensure that the 4-H program would remain strong and vibrant in the absence of a 4-H agent. She is a dedicated professional, proponent of youth and valued member of the Extension family. Thank you for your efforts, your energy and your caring! We are proud to report that in 2013 we taught: participants, held 6 meetings, hosted 54 events, taught 32 lessons and developed 5 community projects that consisted of 2,127 participants Adult Volunteers donated 2,022 hours (valued at $18.85/hr. or $36,000) in club leadership, educational instruction and community service. Submitted by K. Bentz A number of new projects were started this past fall in the 4-H Youth Development program. The Community Service Garden (CSG), First Annual Pumpkin Carving/Fall Festival, First Annual Ornament Night/Holiday Celebration, Wildflower Project in partnership with the MC Master Gardeners program and parade participation with the Martin County Fair. All these events are traditions that we will continue each year. A great way to socialize, contribute to our community and honor the 4-H Pledge in a fun, Learn by Doing way. 4-H Community Service Garden an idea suggested by a MCFA board member, Mr. Dennis Driggers, took root in October. Our new agent, JP and program assistant, Kim, along with MCFA Director, Dave Colonna and staff member John constructed the raised bed, filled with soil in preparation for planting. Wednesday, October 9 th, 4-H youth gathered to plant the Sweet Corn, Bush Beans, Tomatillo and Zucchini seeds generously donated by the Florida Yards and Neighborhood program. Potato eyes were planted in Home Depot buckets, Sweet potato sprouts in a Publix re-usable shopping tote and chives and bunching onions were planted in milk jugs hung on the fence. Two yellow marigold plants were planted in each garden bed for further propagation and pest management. The youth have since harvested and planted marigold seeds producing all ORANGE plants with one tri-color a great educational opportunity in hybridization! The decision was made to go totally organic with the garden no fertilizer or pesticides were used. All the plants flourished until we had a few weeks of dry weather and no watering on the weekend. Pests moved onto the corn and the zucchini was visited by Sooty Mold. However, we did harvest and continue to harvest bush beans and small zucchini. The corn did not survive but we learned quite a bit through experience and will re-plant a spring crop. We do have small potatoes, an abundance of chives and onions along with small tomatillos. When the garden is broken down his January for fair events, all the plants will be transferred to pots for continued patio gardening. This garden has been a great hands-on experience for the youth. We are committed to continuing the project with a more permanent location on-site for visitors and continued educational opportunities.

3 First Annual Pumpkin Carving & Fall Festival was a fun idea suggested by Sonny s BBQ a great 4-H sponsor and a parent/staff member for 4-H participation and program visibility in our community. Each 4-H club carved a pumpkin for display at Sonny s BBQ during Halloween. Patrons of the restaurant voted, with First Place going to MC Swine Club for their Pumpkin Pig! (I m proud to say, that my own club, the Barnowls, took second place.) During the carving we took the opportunity to have a Fall Festival, with spicy, sweet popcorn, caramel apple dipping and great camaraderie. Clubs are now planning next year s pumpkin designs and MC Swine will have to defend their title! First Annual Ornament Night & Holiday Party was suggested by leader, Angie N. (Flying Hog Feathers) to benefit Domino s House. Domino s House is a loving alternative for cats and kittens in need of shelter prior to adoption. The 4-H youth gathered to make ornaments to donate to Domino s House for their annual craft bazaar. Hand-painted photo frames, button and jingle bell wreaths and little bell birds in scarfs were this year s ornaments. Some of the ornaments decorated the Extension office tree and were available for purchase as a 4-H donation. During the crafting of ornaments the clubs celebrated the holidays with dips, snacks, a treat ornament both for the youth and one for feathered friends (seed craft). Wildflower Project was initiated by Yvette Goodiel, Extension horticulturist as a grant project with the Master Gardeners program. A $500 grant was awarded to plant wildflower seeds from the fairgrounds north between the two driveways. Master Gardeners, 4-H leadership and youth with a parent participated in the planting. Many thanks to the Martin County Parks and Recreation department for ground preparation and installation of irrigation, MCFA Directors and the Master Gardeners for extending to 4-H this community service opportunity along with the continued educational experience. Stuart Christmas Parade was a partnership with the Martin County Fair as the 4-H Youth Program participated in the Stuart Christmas Parade. A flatbed trailer was donated, and leaders, youth and fair association members worked together creating a Past, Present and Future: 100 years on the St. Lucie, Holiday Barnyard theme. Numerous clubs walked the parade route dressed in costume with miniature horses, a rider on horseback, a rabbit, chicken, turkeys and a

4 sleeping rooster, along with a very large Great Dane who could have passed for a small Thoroughbred! A fun time was enjoyed by all as the Fair Association and the 4-H Youth Development program wished our community Happy Holidays! Family and Consumer Sciences Best wishes for a Healthy, HAPPY, Prosperous 2014 H! Chris Kilbride, Family & Consumer Sciences Agent Jenny Buntin, Family & Consumer Sciences Program Assistant Gale Ryan, Family & Consumer Sciences Program Assistant - The Family Nutrition Program is a $160,000 USDA grant sustaining 2.5 employees educating over 1,500 youth monthly and addressing the obesity issue in Martin County people learned techniques on how to regain control of their credit use and debt management, including how to design their own personal budget through the Decisions for Independent Living program. Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Program (FYN) Fred Burkey, FYN Agent Pat Bonis, FYN Program Assistant In 2013 FYN s Vegetable Demonstration Garden donated approximately 45 lbs. of lettuce, Bok Choi, cabbage and herbs to several organizations including St. Mary s soup kitchen, Jesus House of Hope and LAHIA, (Love and Hope in Action) for their soup kitchens. - The FYN program initiated vegetable gardens at: Felix Williams School Jensen Beach Elementary School Morningside Elementary School Butterfly garden This year Felix Williams Elementary community school garden harvested 450 lbs. of cabbage. Half of this was taken home by the student, and the other half donated to the Salvation Army s community kitchen for the homeless. FYN also helped over 125 Mariposa Elementary School fifth graders install a butterfly garden. The kids were eager to learn

5 about butterflies and butterfly friendly plants. They prepared, planted, and even made stepping stones for their garden. After completion of the garden, the children continue to learn about many aspects of butterfly gardening and are very proud of what they have accomplished. In addition, FYN taught over 120 programs representing 6,000 participants on topics ranging from pesticide application to hydroponic vegetable production. Specific programs included supporting the City of Stuart Community Garden and the Mars Hill Friendly Hearts Garden in Jensen Beach. They produced 12 television show and 3 radio programs with a total viewership of approximately 200,000 viewers, and have increased the total number of rain barrels in Martin County to 670, with a total water savings of over 4 million gallons per year. Their Best Management Practices program was held this summer at the Indian Riverside Park with 490 participants learning new and proper practices for pesticide and fertilizer application, plant care and integrated pest management. Master Gardener Program Yvette Goodiel, Sustainability & Commercial Horticulture Extension Agent In 2013, the Master Gardener Volunteers and Agent/Coordinator: - Received $500 Wildflower grant to beautify the Extension and Fairgrounds entrance, in partnership with other Martin County Parks & Recreation staff, Master Gardener volunteers, 4-H volunteers, Martin County Dept. of Engineering, and the Martin County Fair Association. - Offered free community education events, including Taste of the Tropics, Spring Plant Sale Fundraiser, Library presentations, Master Gardener Training, and Annual Florida Arbor Day Tree Giveaway. Volunteers and Agent also prepared and presented educational exhibits/presentations at the Martin County Fair, Martin County Employee Health and Safety Fair, Home & Garden Show, WaterFest, EnergyFest, Garden Club of Stuart Flower Show, and other community events. A total of 18,991 community contacts resulted from these events. - Served over 1,616 members of the community at the Extension office, by the Master Gardener volunteer help desk. Approximately 30 additional homeowners were served by one-on-one Master Gardener volunteer consults in their neighborhoods/communities. Volunteers answered questions from homeowners regarding proper care of their landscapes and helped homeowners solve their landscape problems. During a follow-up survey of homeowners assisted between 2010 and 2013, 85% of respondents stated that they had been provided with a potential solution to their landscape problem and had adopted at least one recommended practice change as a result of the guidance they were provided. Topics addressed included pruning, plant disease management, fertilizer application, irrigation, and freeze protection. - Donated over 11,122 hours by over 103 veteran Master Gardeners of volunteer time, valued at $209,650 (11,122 hours x $18.85/hour, based on

6 The hours donated are equivalent to the time worked by 5.35 full-time employees (11,122 hours/2,080 hours per year for 1 FTE). The recognition of the Master Gardeners and their abilities has increased through their extended community outreach; they made almost 17,000 documented contacts with Martin County residents. - Trained 22 new volunteers who completed the 11-week Master Gardener training program and were certified as Master Gardener volunteers. At the end of 2014, when their first year of service is completed, if all trainees complete the required 75 hours of volunteer service, the value to the County will be $31,103 (1,650 hours at $18.85 per hour). - Established a new lending library at the Extension office, offering over 300 donated books on horticultural topics to the public free of charge. Commercial Horticulture and Sustainability Program Yvette Goodiel, Sustainability & Commercial Horticulture Extension Agent - Yvette provided training to 689 commercial horticulture employees; these trainings help commercial horticulture businesses (landscape companies, nurseries, golf course maintenance companies, fertilizer applicators, etc.) to maintain or meet licensing requirements. - Yvette, along with FYN Agent Fred Burkey, chaired an Agricultural Visioning Committee, which held meetings throughout the year, determining future actions to help expand and sustain agricultural enterprises in Martin County. - Yvette expanded an distribution list, extending news of training, funding, and other opportunities to local agriculture and horticulture businesses. Through phone, , field visits, and office visits, a total of 653 contacts were made with these businesses. Losses It is with a heavy heart that we look back at the end of this year and remember the friends and family we have lost in Mr. Judson Minear was a celebrated member of the 4-H family. He dedicated a large portion of his life to the betterment of children and to the 4-H organization. He was a founding member of the Martin County 4-H Foundation and served on the 4-H Advisory Board until Mr. Minear worked tirelessly to develop opportunities for youth to learn animal husbandry and other critical life skills. He was instrumental in the development of the Martin County Dairy show and many other 4-H programs and events through his generous donations of money, show animals, and time. Judson will be missed greatly by everyone in the organization and in recognition of his work and dedication to youth, a 4-H scholarship has been dedicated to his work and memory. The Judson Minear scholarship will be awarded to a 4-H youth that has best demonstrated the ideals that Mr. Minear taught through his action over the years and which consists of the 4-H pledge: I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service, and my health to better living for my club, my community, my country and my world.

7 Martin County Master Gardener volunteer, Melinda Twichell, served Extension from 2006 until her passing in Melinda held a leadership role with the Master Gardeners from 2010 until 2013, as President-Elect, President, and Past-President. During her time as a volunteer, she also enjoyed helping with the plant sales, propagating plants in the shade house, helping with the annual Florida Arbor Day tree giveaway, and providing one-on-one assistance to friends and neighbors. Even as she battled cancer, Melinda still kept in touch with her fellow Master Gardener volunteers, attending Master Gardener meetings, visiting the shade house, and attending the Halpatiokee Park wildflower planting day. Melinda s good works, the people she aided and the guidance she provided, live on in the hearts of those she touched. Nicole Ryan, daughter of Gale Ryan (Family Nutrition Program Assistant and Master Gardener) passed suddenly on June 5th in Houston, Texas. Nicki (a Gator post grad) was a bio-chemical research assistant and lab manager doing stem cell research at Baylor College of Medicine. She loved gardening, as a child she had her own vegetable gardens every summer in Chicago. As an adult she was very interested in the Master Gardner program and loved visiting the Extension Office and seeing all of our latest projects and visiting the Demo gardens. She and her husband had just built a house and wanted to landscape their yard in a Texas friendly manner. Nicki s time here was too short but she will be with us always, in sunny winter days that warm our gardens and in the summer rains that nourish them. Successes Our very own Pat Bonis received the prestigious University of Florida 2013 Meritorious Support Service Award from the Epsilon Sigma Phi National Honorary Extension Fraternity Alpha Delta Chapter. The Meritorious Support Service Award is given to a Program Assistant that demonstrates dedication and outstanding performance in their duties. Ms. Bonis is recognized as a tireless worker with great passion for her work with hydroponics, school gardens and pesticide/fertilizer trainings. Pat is a key member of the Martin County Extension Office and we are proud of her efforts and recognition! Pat you ROCK!!!! Martin County Parks names Chris Kilbride - Instructor of the Year! Ms. Kilbride joined our team in 1983 and is celebrating her 30 th year with the Martin County Extension office. She joined our department as a Home Economics Agent and immediately began making an impact through the development of innovative and creative educational programs. Over the years, her attention to detail and her willingness to work tirelessly to address educational needs of the community has produced many meaningful educational programs that have benefited the county, the community, and her peers. Ms. Kilbride is currently the coordinator of the Martin County Family Nutrition program responsible for educating thousands of school-aged children each year on the importance of nutrition basics, meal proportions, body image and more. Additionally, she was recently named the Florida Master Money Mentor Regional Coordinator for Martin - St. Lucie - Indian River - Okeechobee counties. Through this program she provides financial management, family economics, and consumer education

8 programing to her students in schools, community centers, places of worship, the work place and jails. Chris provides program participants with the research-based information, strategies, and skills needed to make behavior changes that will improve the individual's quality of life as well as improve their financial future. Congratulations Chris! Martin County Master Gardener volunteer, Ann McCormick, awarded 2013 Florida Master Gardener Beautification Award of Excellence for her work to establish wildflower plantings at Halpatiokee Regional Park. Ann supported the Martin County Board of County Commissioners in their passage of a wildflower resolution; assisted the Martin County Parks Department in applying for a grant from the Florida Wildflower Foundation to beautify the entrance to the Halpatiokee Regional Park; and, once the grant was awarded, gathered community partners to help plant and maintain the wildflower beds. Thank you Ann! From all of us here at Martin County Extension to you and your family.