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NC Cooperative Extension, Currituck County Center led guests on a journey through time at its annual Report to the People celebration on April 1, 2024. Themed “Eras of Extension,” the event hit rewind on Extension history and highlighted the accomplishments of 2023.

“We embarked on this journey through the ‘Eras of Extension’ to honor the evolution of our organization, recognize the transformative power of Cooperative Extension, and celebrate our outstanding accomplishments over the past year” remarked Cameron Lowe, Currituck County Extension director. “Each era has represented growth, resilience and life changing experiences for our community.”

Immersive exhibits and an engaging stage presentation captivated attendees. Armed with backstage passes, participants were led by tour guides through departmental exhibits that detailed the accomplishments of the year. As a team, Currituck Extension staff and volunteers offered 504 classes to the public in 2023 and provided face-to-face technical expertise to more than 1300 citizens. The overall economic impact of Extension work in Currituck County was $2 million. Volunteers donated more than 5500 hours at a value of more than $165,000.

Agriculture staff conducted 272 home and field visits to diagnose various issues and provide solutions. They offered 157 classes to the public on topics ranging from pesticide education to landscape design. Grants, donations, plant sales and program fees brought in more than $38,000.

Community development activities included facilitation assistance for the Historic Currituck Jail project and facilitating strategic plans. Extension partnered with the Currituck Airport to launch the first annual Currituck Planes and Plows community event. A local foods proclamation was enacted declaring the first full week of June annually as Local Foods Week to promote small farms and agricultural operations. Finally, staff facilitated the providing of weekend meals for 122 elementary school students at risk of hunger.

Family and consumer sciences staff led 184 individuals to utilize local foods in meal preparation and food preservation. More than 200 program participants increased their knowledge of cooking and food preservation skills through classes. Senior adults saved more than $250,000 in medical costs as a result of participating in Medicare counseling services offered through Extension as part of the Seniors Health Insurance Information Program.

Currituck Extension 4-H staff engaged 2612 youth in 339 educational activities and events. Seven Currituck County 4-H members won the opportunity to compete and participate in national events as a result of their 4-H project work. Three hundred and thirty-four youth participated in 43 statewide events supervised by 31 volunteers in addition to 4-H staff.

The evening culminated in a stage presentation featuring a video expressing appreciation for the contributions of partners and stakeholders. Dance moves choreographed and performed by Currituck Extension staff were interspersed while advisory council members managed lighting and logistics of the evening. Check out the performance and highlights at go.ncsu.edu/currituckeras23.

For further insights into NC Cooperative Extension, Currituck County Center and its transformative programs, go to currituck.ces.ncsu.edu or reach out to Cameron Lowe at cameron_lowe@ncsu.edu or 252-232-2261.

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