2/11/21 @ 1:30 p.m. -

The Nassau County Extension Office is offering free income tax assistance at their Yulee and Callahan Offices. See the attached flyer for full details. Please note that appointments ARE required. Contact Meg McAlpine at (904) 570-5713.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

1/6/21 @ 12:50 p.m. - On December 23, 2020, 4-H Development Agent, Kelsey Irvine, shared the below story about a recent awards ceremony held to recognize this year's 4-H participants on their achievements. Kelsey was creative in coordinating an in-person event while following COVID guidelines to ensure safety of everyone in attendance.

Kelsey Irvine's post to the UF/IFAS/County Extension Blog:

How We Did It
Ms. Kelsey, Mr. Ted, Mrs. Laura, & Ms. Holli started the discussion of how to have a safe in-person event after the Nassau County 4-H Association pushed for more in-person 4-H activities. We decided to merge our postponed awards celebration with our annual holiday party.

Following both county and UF guidelines our team made the following plan:

1. Be outside to comply with UF policies for larger gatherings. We put our event in the UF portal early just in case we needed to make any adjustments to our planning.
2. Set an absolute maximum capacity of 75 people, which would include all supporting staff, guests, and non-member attendees. We also had a touchless sign-in.
3. Require pre-registration through Eventbrite.
4. Separate families by having a clearly (and festive!) pre-marked large 12 x 12 foot space for each family that was also 6 feet apart from another family group; allowing families to sit together without needing masks.
5. Families brought their own comfort items which reduced risk by using shared tables/chairs set up by others.
6. Make picking up awards easier by allowing winners to select their award instead of being handed one.
7. Still providing a tasty celebratory treat by purchasing individually packaged cupcakes.
8. We added a little extra cheer by giving everyone individually packaged jingle bells.
9. Enjoyed time as a group by watching The Grinch under the stars.
   
   

Awards & Honors

Project Books
Project and Record books are a chance for 4-H members to demonstrate their mastery of a specific subject area over the course of the year. These books are submitted and graded each year by agents. Youth can receive awards for completion of project books or progress made toward their goals. This year we had a record-breaking 19 submitted books!
The Following youth completed the Horse Record Book:

• Raelin Tew– Blue
• Danyelle Bell– Blue
• Lainey Walters– Blue
• Lauren Walters– Blue
• Kimberly Forster-Red
• Jack Norstrem-Red
• Emily Pilcher-Red
• Charlie Norstrem– white
• Emma Norstrem earned 1 blue ribbon for her horse record book and 2 certificates of progress for the goat and horse project books.
• Kai Laurendine earned 2 blue awards for both the Horse Record book and his sheep record book.
• Kee Laurendine earned 2 blue awards for completing the Horse Record book and sheep record book.
• Tucker Williams earned a blue ribbon for his swine record book
• Tristan Shannon was being recognized for his progress in his Crank it up project book.
• and finally Peyton Brown earned  2 red awards for her lamb and swine record books.

Volunteer Awards
Club Leader of the Year: Patti Walker
Volunteer of the Year: Amanda Stevenson
School Enrichment Volunteer of the Year: Madison Stevenson
Youth Volunteer of the Year: Emma Norstrem
Outstanding Community Partner: Nassau County Florida Farm Bureau

4-H’ers of the Month

• August – Ethan Hatton
• October- Charlie Norstrem
• November- Kaitlyn Malott
• December – Olivia Zabatta
• January – Raelin Tew
• March- Natalie Stevenson

4-H’er of the Year: Kaitlyn Malott!

Giving Back
This year we collected so many items for three different animal rescue organizations!
Our staff & members also created more than 40 letters for first responders!

Faces of Resiliency

Please enjoy some of the friendly faces from our event! All unmasked moments were in compliance with guidelines. Thank you to everyone who braved the cold to celebrate with us!

12/9/20 @ 12:40 p.m. - The County Extension's 4-H division has two holiday programs currently underway.

The first is the Howliday Drive. For this event, they will be collecting animal supplies such as treats, collars, food, blankets, grooming tools, toys, etc. for Nassau County Animal Services, Ark and Empowerment Ranch. All donations can be dropped into the collection box outside the Callahan Extension Office located at 543350 US Highway 1.

Nassau County 4-H is also collecting Letters for Service for members of our community who often have to work during the holidays such as policemen, firefighters and other first responders. Cards can be dropped into a mailbox that has been set up outside the Callahan Extension Office. They will also be collected at the Extension Office's Holiday Awards Event.

If you have any questions about either of these programs, please contact the Extension Office directly at (904) 530-6353.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

11/24/20 @ 9:45 a.m. - Have you recently moved your elderly parents to Nassau County but are unsure what steps to take now that they are here? The County Extension Office offers the following:

1. Contact Social Security 1 (800) 772-1213 to update their Florida address; bank account information (social security checks are typically direct deposit)
   

 
2. Find out what type of Medicare Coverage they have: Original vs Medicare Advantage Plan

• If they have Original Medicare, you do not need to do anything
• If they have a Medicare Advantage Plan you will need to switch either to Original Medicare or an Advantage Plan based on new zip code
• Contact local Medical Providers to inquire if they are accepting new Original Medicare patients and ask what Medicare Advantage Plans, they accept

 
3. Contact their Medicare Drug Plan to let them know they have moved to Nassau County and inquire if they need to change to a different plan due to relocation
 
4. Get a list of their medications (name, dosage and quantity)
 
6. Find out if they have a Medicare Supplemental Plan “Medigap Policy” and notify the policy of their new address.  Moving to a new zip code can impact the amount of their monthly premium.
7. Learn about their financial situation – if they have little liquid assets and modest income they may qualify for State and Federal Subsidy programs to pay for Medicare premiums, drug costs, medical and hospital co-pays and deductibles
 
8. Contact Nassau County Council on Aging (904)261-0701 for information on Case Management, Home Health Care, Subsidized Housing, Transportation, etc.
 
9. Consider having Power of Attorney (form that is completed by you and your parent and notarized) so you can speak on their behalf to medical providers, pharmacy, Social Security, community agencies, etc.
 
10. If they are receiving food assistance and/or Medicaid from another state, inform that state they have moved to Florida.  You will need to apply for food assistance and Medicaid with the State of Florida through the DCF Access Florida website https://dcf-access.dcf.state.fl.us/access
 
If you would like assistance with Medicare, Medicaid and/or Food Assistance please contact the University of Florida, Nassau County Extension Service, Meg McAlpine (904)570-5713 for Unbiased information.
"Extension programs are open to all persons without regard to race, color, sex, age, disability, religion, or national origin."

Housing Information for seniors with moderate to low incomes.

FERNANDINA BEACH:

• Housing Authority of Fernandina Beach
  1300 Hickory Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
  904-261-5051
• Buccaneer Villas (2 bedroom townhouse)
  1100 Lime Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
  904-277-0000
• Countryside Apartments
  1105 South 13th Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
  904-277-2103
• Murray Hill Apartments (2 and 3 bedrooms only)
  1655 Lime Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
  904-261-2937
• Peppertree Village Apartments (65 year old and/or disabled)
  1200 South 15th Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
  904-261-6600
• Post Oak Apartments
  996 Citrona Drive, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
  904-277-7817
• Sandridge Apartments (65 year old and/or disabled)
  2021 Jasmine Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
  904-277-8722

YULEE:

• Green Acres
  280 U.S. Highway 17 South, Yulee, FL 32097
  904-225-0168
• Yulee Villas

     122 U.S. Highway 17 South, Yulee, FL 32097
     904-225-5810

11/19/20 @ 9:30 a.m. - The Nassau County Extension Office offers a variety of youth development programs through its 4-H division. Its 4-H Youth Emergency Training (YET) Program is receiving special recognition due to the brave actions of one of its past members.

High School Senior, Annie Iannotti, was doing chores when she noticed smoke coming from her neighbor's house. She grabbed her medical kit that she received during her two years of YET training and sprung into action by tending to animals that were removed from the home by rescue personnel.

Annie credits the YET Program for providing her life-saving skills and confidence that she was capable of making a difference. The YET Program consists of 25 hours of training over three months, taught by local emergency personnel. Participants receive a variety of hands-on training and practice through simulated emergency situations such as fires, search and rescue, CPR, etc. At the completion of the program, participants share their new skills with the community by doing a public outreach presentation or creating a public service announcement video.

For additional information about 4-H Programs, including YET, contact Kelsey Irvine, Extension Agent I/-H Youth Development, at (904) 530-6353 or via email at kelseymirvine@ufl.edu. You can also find information here on the County Extension's website.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

Note: All photos taken prior to national guidelines for face coverings and social distancing

10/2/20 @ 12:00 p.m. -

The University of Florida/IFAS, Nassau County Extension Service is offering free, unbiased Medicare consultations (telephone ​or video conferencing) beginning October 5, 2020.

​During open enrollment (October 15th through December 7th), you can also change how you will receive your Medicare health and drug coverage for 2021.

Whether you will be new to Medicare and need to enroll or are seeking information on changes you can  make to your current Medicare Health and Drug Plans for 2021, this is  your chance to receive knowledgeable, no cost, unbiased information about your choices. Telephone or Video Appointments can be scheduled by calling Meg McAlpine with the  University of Florida, Nassau County Extension Service, (904) 570-5713.  

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

8/31/20 @ 8:15 a.m. - We are proud to announce that several Nassau County Extension Agents are being recognized for their outstanding programs and contributions to their communities.

The below individuals have been invited to present their programs at the 2020 Extension Professional Association of Florida (EPAF) Annual Conference:

Abstract Presentations:
Justina Dacey
Demonstration Living Shorelines: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Ted Karsch
4-H Teach Me in 3: An Innovative Approach to Traditional 4-H programs

Kelsey Irvine
Flying Lead Changes During COVID-19: Continuation of 4-H Equine Programming in the Virtual Space

Poster Presentation:
Ted Karsch
4-H Teach me in 3

The following individuals will be presented with awards:

Florida Association of County Agriculture Agenda (FACA)
Becky Jordi
Category: Bound Book. Zoe's Mission.

Florida Association of Extension 4-H Agents (FAE4-HA)
1 team award and 2 individual awards.

Kelsey Irvine
Team: Excellence in Teamwork Area North 4-H Show Committee: Alisha Hutchinson, Amanda Pittman, Beth Moore, Genevieve Mendoza, Geralyn Sachs, Jessica Cooper, Kelsey Irvine, Nicole Crawson, Stephanie Conner, Derby Sale, and Savanna Turner 

Individual Awards: Excellence in Volunteerism and Service Award (both State and National Winner)

Florida Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (FEAFCS)

Meg McApline
Team: Food Safety: Team Laurie Osgood, Katherine Allen, Jill Breslawski, Nancy Gal, Jennifer Hagen, Wendy Lynch, Meg McAlpine, Ada MedinaSolorzano, Amy Mullins, Gabriella Murza, Natasha Parks, Maria Rometo, Julianne Shoup, Virgilia Zabala, and Kendra Zamojski 
 
Congratulations to all our Extension agents on their achievements! We are so happy to have such amazing agents representing our County.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

8/23/20 @ 1:15 p.m.

A 4-H member is a youth that is enrolled in 4-H Online and has paid an annual membership fee. Members can choose whichever and how many clubs they want to be a part of, compete in events, go on special trips, earn recognition for their work in their project, and are part of a larger network of peers, volunteers, and caring adults.

4-H members are divided based on their age as of September 1st of the current year.

Cloverbuds: Ages 5-7
Juniors: Ages 8-10
Intermediates: Ages 11-13
Seniors: Ages 14-18

Please watch this video to view the 4H Virtual Open House and learn more about this exciting program!

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

8/10/20 @ 10:10 a.m.  On July 27, 2020, we shared a Press Release from the Department of Agriculture regarding reports of individuals receiving unsolicited packets of seeds from China. Click here to read it again.

Below is an important update from the Nassau County Extension Office regarding this subject and what to do if you receive any:

From the County Extension Office
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are concerned these seeds are a form of agricultural smuggling and could be an invasive plant. An invasive is any plant or animal that can takeover an area, causing economic loss, ecological damage and even harming human health. Here in Nassau County, UF/IFAS Extension and the City of Fernandina Beach have been removing invasive plant species such as Russian thistle and Mother of Millions on Amelia island.

What To Do: Anyone receiving unsolicited seed packages from other countries should follow these directions:

• Your local Extension office will accept ONLY opened packages.
• Bring seed/plant material packets and their original packaging materials to the Extension office, which should then be placed in a plastic zip bag.
• Fill out form
• OR you can contact your local FDACS-DPI office or contact the FDACS-DPI helpline at 1-888-397-1517 to arrange for pickup of the packages and leave a message.
• Additional instructions for the public are available here: http://www.fdacs.gov/seedbymail

When reporting the seed package to FDACS and USDA/APHIS, please be prepared to provide one’s name, physical address, phone number, and email address for contact purposes.
Other Resources

Here is a recent press release from FDACS on the suspicious seed packets.

Here is a news room post from the USDA.
Information on UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-native Plants.

by Justina Dacey

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our County Extension Director, Rebecca Jordi. Becky lost her long, courageous battle with cancer on July 31st at the age of 66.
 
Becky began her employment with Nassau County on May 4, 2001 as an Extension Agent in Horticulture. Over the years, she also served as an Extension Agent for 4H, an Extension Agent II and finally as the County Extension Director since September 3, 2010.
 
Becky had a Bachelor’s Degree from Florida State University, a Master’s Degree from Kutztown University and earned her certification with the International Society of Arborists. She won many awards including: Florida Association of Natural Resources Professionals-Mid Career Leadership Award; Florida Association of County Agricultural Agent Search for Excellence Team Award, National Finalist; National Finalist in Landscape Horticulture; Computerized Graphic Presentation Silver Award; and Extension Professional Association Young Professional of the Year. Her most recent achievement was the publishing of her long-awaited children’s book, Zoe’s Mission.
 
Becky initiated many projects including, but not limited, the demonstration gardens at the James S. Page Governmental Complex and Yulee County Building; landscapes matters classes; plant clinics; crash courses in gardening, and much more. She had a guest column in the NewsLeader titled Garden Talk and was often called upon to speak at Epcot’s Annual Home and Garden show. She also appeared several times on WTLV 12 First Coast Living.
 
Becky loved all things related to horticulture and if you ever had the privilege of attending one of her classes or heard her speak at any event, you would have seen her passion and excitement on the subject. She was a wonderful teacher with a fun and bubbly personality. She always remained positive and upbeat, even over the past few years when she wasn’t feeling her best. She was a wonderful asset to the County and will be greatly missed.
The family has indicated that a celebration of life will be held in the fall to coincide with the opening of the new County Extension Office which is currently being constructed on Miner Rd. The Board has already dedicated the naming of the facility in her honor.
 
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that her book, Zoe’s Mission, be purchased in her memory. It is available at the monthly landscape matters classes hosted by the Extension volunteers and their bi-annual plant sales. Proceeds go directly to the Master Gardener Program.
 
-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office