219 Paw Paw Street, Suite 201 Paw Paw, MI 49079 Telephone: 269-657-8213 Fax: 269-657-6678 Vol. 1, Issue 1 October 2009 In This Issue…Events & Happenings Van Buren County MSU Extension is introducing an electronic newsletter that will be sent out every month via email to provide updated information on programs involving agriculture, horticulture, economic development, natural resources and resource recovery, 4-H and youth programs, nutrition and family development. If you would like to receive this email please contact Melissa at 269-657-8213 or msue80@msu.edu. MSU Extension to Offer Canning Seminar The Paw Paw MSUE Office is offering a home canning and freezing seminar this October. The session will feature education on the recommended procedures for preserving food and step by step demonstrations featuring the fruits or vegetables that are available during the month. Participants will learn about necessary equipment, safe handling of food, tried and true procedures, safety issues and practical tips and techniques. Following are the session date and planned topics: · Oct. 7, 2pm-5pm Apple Products and Fall Vegetables The session will take place at the Human Services Building Kitchen at 801 Hazen Street in Paw Paw. Registration is required for the session at least one week before the scheduled session and seating is limited so pre-registration is required. Each participant will receive recipes and “starter kits” as supplies are available. Participants may register by calling Diana, Extension Educator, at 269-657-8213. Michigan Citizen Planner Empowering People to Build Better Places Why Citizen Planner? The simple truth is that communities need to change the way they do community planning. Local officials have a responsibility to help their communities manage the impacts of economic change and be part of the solutions to challenges and issues their communities face. Local communities that proactively plan to succeed in the New Economy can improve their quality of life and lead Michigan’s recovery and transformation. Michigan Citizen Planner empowers local officials to shape the future of their communities by providing them with the tools and education they need to lead. Michigan Citizen Planner offers Fundamentals of Planning and Zoning, a seven-session, non-credit course leading to a certificate of completion awarded by Michigan State University Extension. Michigan Citizen Planner is a continuing education unit (CEU) course in compliance with the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (ACET) guidelines. Participants may also choose to continue on to earn the Master Citizen Planner (MCP) credential by completing the Fundamentals of Planning and Zoning, an examination and a capstone project. MCPs receive course discounts, exclusive training opportunities and other incentives. Michigan Citizen Planner provides time tested educational programs on important local issues that are proven to be comprehensive without being overwhelming. For more information on the Michigan Citizen Planner Program click on the link below: Citizen Planner Course Brochure Van Buren County Celebrate National 4-H Week on October 4-10 October 4-10 is National 4-H Week. In Van Buren County, more than 490 4-H members and 150 volunteers are involved in 4‑H.The fundamental 4-H ideal of practical, “learn by doing” experiences encourage youth to experiment, innovate and think independently. 4-H programs are offered through school-based, after-school and camp settings and within community clubs. You can join the 4-H community today. To learn how to become a 4-H member or volunteer leader in Van Buren County, contact Van Buren County Michigan State University Extension at: Van Buren County MSUE 219 Paw Paw St., Suite 201 Paw Paw, MI 49079 269-657-8213 msue80@msu.edu. 4-H is a community of six million young people across America learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. National 4-H Council is the private sector, non-profit partner of National 4-H Headquarters (USDA). The 4-H programs are implemented by the 106 Land Grant Universities and the Cooperative Extension System through their 3,100 local Extension offices across the country. Learn more about the 4‑H adventure at http://web1.msue.msu.edu/msue/cyf/youth/index.html. New Van Buren County MSU Extension Newsletter MSU Extension to Offer Canning Seminar Michigan Citizen Planner Empowering People to Build Better Places Van Buren County Celebrate National 4-H Week on October 4-10