2020 Hometown Heroes

Page 198 2020 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS May 14, 2020 “Illinois Extension is part of the solution of protecting the health of our residents across the state,” says Nickols-Richardson. “We will not compromise on our commitment to health, but we also support the educational mission and beloved tradition of our summer 4-H shows. These events provide unparalleled opportunities for youth to demonstrate sportsmanship, mastery of skill, and support for their peers and communities.” A wide range of options are under consideration for 2020 summer 4-H shows. Each option is being evaluated for its feasibility, technical requirements, volunteer capacity, financial and health risks to hosts and participants, and overall benefit to the community and partners. Lisa Diaz, Illinois Extension assistant dean and director of Illinois 4-H, says “If circumstances interrupt a local summer exhibition, 4-H and Extension staff are working to develop digital exhibitions and other alternatives consistent with social distancing guidelines. Our goal is to provide an opportunity for youth to showcase their projects and display their learning and growth.” Last month, Illinois Extension in-person events through May 31 were shifted online, postponed, or cancelled. No decisions about events after May 31 have been made, except for 4-H overnight camps, which have been cancelled through July 31. Over the past several weeks, Illinois Extension has spoken with many 4-H families and supporters who advocated for delaying decisions about summer 4-H shows, if possible. For more than 100 years, Illinois Extension has delivered educational programming through in-person meetings, webinars, conferences, camps, and contests. Following the stay-at-home order in March, Extension mobilized staff to transition most in-person events to digital webinars, meetings, podcasts, and videos. To help Illinois families, business owners, and agricultural producers respond to the COVID-19 crisis, Extension staff created more than 400 new educational resources since mid-March, which are available at @go.illinois.edu/ ExtensionCOVID19. [Release provided by Terri Miller, Logan County Extenison]