This year Tama County is celebrating 100 years of organized county extension work. This long-established partnership with Iowa State University provides local citizens with access to education and university research, said Cheryl Bruene, Executive Director.

“ISU Extension and Outreach provides education and builds partnerships for a strong Iowa and a strong Tama County,” Bruene said.

Tama County will mark this milestone with an afternoon of Celebrating Everything Extension at Otter Creek Lake and Park, 2283 Park Rd., Toledo on Sunday, June 10, from 12:30-4 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.

Featured exhibits will include the ISU Insect Zoo from 1-3 p.m., the FLEX trailer, 4-H presentations, grain bin simulator, historical exhibits, and many other hands-on exhibits. Grilled sandwiches will be available for $2;cake and presentation of the centennial certificate will be made at 3:00. Door prizes will include ISU football tickets and autographed football. Meet Cy from 2:00-4:00. Join in an afternoon of fun and food.

“A hundred years ago the people of Tama County joined the extension movement and hired their first local extension agent. Today ISU Extension and Outreach serves as a 99 county campus, connecting the needs of Iowans with Iowa State University research and resources,” Bruene said.

The Tama County Extension Council represents county residents and acts on behalf of ISU Extension and Outreach locally. The Tama County Extension Council includes Judy Morrison, Traer; Marla Clark-Hlas, Traer; Jennifer Wrage, Gladbrook; Cathy Gethmann, Gladbrook; Jackie Skala, Tama; Keith Zhorne, Tama; Jacob Benda, Toledo; Eric Werner, Toledo; and James Poduska, Chelsea.

“With their understanding of local issues, these elected officials make sure that significant educational programs are available in Tama County that help people solve critical issues affecting their lives,” Bruene said.

“Education and partnerships are how we solve problems and prepare for the future. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach looks forward to being part of the ongoing life of Tama County for years to come.”

More than 1 million benefit

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach educational programs cover the entire life span, from Iowa’s youngest to oldest residents. More than 1 million people directly benefit from ISU Extension and Outreach educational programs each year. Extension education online reaches more than 4 million.

ISU Extension and Outreach is part of the federal Cooperative Extension Service – a network of more than 100 land-grant institutions, including Iowa State University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture serving communities and counties across the United States. Every county in Iowa has an elected extension council that decides how to support ISU Extension and Outreach educational programs at the county level.

For more information about ISU Extension and Outreach contact the Tama County office at 641-484-2703, or visit www.extension.iastate.edu/tama.