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

5/27/20 @ 12:30 p.m.

This week is National Invasive Species Awareness Week. Did you know that plants not native to our area can actually disrupt the ecosystem? Did you also know that just because a plant is sold in a local store doesn't mean it's native to our area?

Below is a photo of a a Mother of Millions plant found right here in Nassau County. Please click here to learn more about this coastal invader.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

Contact: Justina Dacey
         Natural Resources & Agriculture Extension Agent II
         Phone: (904) 530-6353
         Email: jdacey@ufl.edu


UF/IFAS Extension and Nassau County Hike with a Naturalist Program Wins Award

UF/IFAS Extension and Nassau County’s natural resources and agriculture extension agent, Justina Dacey and members of the Northeast Florida Master Naturalists friend’s group Diane Howell and Gordon Saager was awarded 2nd place in the outstanding educational materials category by the Florida Association of Natural Resources Extension Professionals (FANREP) for their Hike with a Naturalist program.
 
The program was created in 2019 due to an increasing need for residents to learn more about the flora and fauna of their surrounding environment. Hike with a Naturalist encourages locals to explore the vegetation and wildlife found on a designated nature trail at Cary State Forest. Diane Howell created a trail brochure to supplement the hike filled with information related to various stopping points. In March 2019, 30 participants joined a hike led by Justina Dacey and Gordon Saager. Participants learned about the importance of fire ecology, invasive species, forest management and a diversity of other conservation related topics. The Northeast Florida Master Naturalists friends’ group have also offered Hike with a Naturalist at other locations and even a Paddle with a Naturalist series.
 
For more information about upcoming events with UF/IFAS Extension in Nassau County, please check out their website, https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/nassau/. If interested in becoming a member of the Florida Master Naturalists friends’ group, find more information here: tinyurl.com/neflchapter
 

3/2/20 @ 3:50 p.m. - Nassau County Extension Director, Rebecca Jordi, has written a children's book titled Zoe's Mission, which teaches the life cycle of a butterfly. The book was written to encourage observance of caterpillars and the chrysalises phase in hopes to increase the number of Zebra Longwing Butterflies (The Florida State Butterfly), in Northeast Florida. The book also introduces four other types of butterflies that are common in our area.

The Book is $26.75 and can be purchased at the County Extension Office located at 543350 US Highway 1, Callahan, FL 32011. It will also be available for purchase at each Landscape Matters Class (click here to see schedule) and the bi-annual Master Gardener Plant Sale. All proceeds will benefit UF/IFAS County Extension's horticulture program, specifically the 4-H program. 

Pictured left to right are Master Gardener Volunteers Lynn West, Karl Schaffer and Joanne Roach, UF/IFAS Nassau Extension Director and author Rebecca Jordi, and Master Gardener Volunteer Carol Ann Atwood.