AgriSTEM Camp to focus on STEM-focused agricultural careers

WVU Extension Service and the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design have teamed up to host an AgriSTEM camp July 28 – August 2.

Designed to be fun and engaging, the camp will feature interactive and hands-on activities that introduce a wide range of STEM-focused agricultural fields and careers. Campers will conduct experiments in WVU research labs, tour farms and forests and even go zip lining.

Students entering grades 7-9 are eligible to attend. The cost of the camp is $450. Qualifying 4-H participants are eligible for $200 scholarships. For more information on the scholarships, contact Jason Fillhart at Jason.Fillhart@mail.wvu.edu.

4-H Camp Challenge raises more than $17,500

The WVU Extension Service 4-H Camp Challenge came to a close on May 31 with more than 160 donors raising more than $17,500. Thanks to our generous donors, many West Virginia youths will be able to share in summer camp experiences that otherwise would not be available to them.

The Delaware tribe scored a victory by raising the most funds. The tribe will get special recognition during the summer 2019 camping season. How How! 

STEM-CARE initiative marks one-year anniversary

This month marks the one-year anniversary of STEM-CARE, a 10-year collaborative effort between Mylan and West Virginia University aimed to expose children across the state to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and to challenge traditional thinking about how STEM skills can be applied.

Reminder: Floating holiday hours must be used by June 30

The Division of Talent and Culture would like to remind WVU leave-eligible employees that the December 2018 floating holiday hours will expire on June 30, 2019.

The 7.50-hour floating holiday was granted on December 24, 2018 to eligible employees and was pro-rated by FTE. Employees may use their floating holiday hours on or before June 30, 2019. Any hours not used will be forfeited.

Should you have any questions about the floating holiday, please don’t hesitate to contact Talent and Culture at Leave@mail.wvu.edu or 304-293-5700 x 4.

WVU Medicine/Health Sciences Farmers Market available every Wednesday

A wide selection of locally sourced produce, delicious meals, creative crafts and outdoor performances will be available at the WVU Medicine/Health Sciences Farmers Market, which will run each Wednesday through Oct. 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Due to construction at the Neuroscience Institute, the market has moved slightly this year to an adjacent parking lot, closer to the Health Sciences North Pylons entrance.

Musical performances will be located in the green space outside the Health Sciences library and close to the Mountaineer Station walkways. All WVU employees are welcome to come by the market for healthy food, entertainment and more!

PNC Bank to offer "Buying a Home" lunch-and-learn seminar

New videos for your use

Farm Women ~ through the years

The State of West Virginia designated the week of May 19 as “CEOS Week” to celebrate the achievements of one of West Virginia’s oldest volunteer service organizations.

WVCEOS is a voluntary, nonprofit organization functioning in cooperation with West Virginia University Extension Service. It is one of the largest educational organizations in the nation.

Group promotes area tourism with social media marketing

The Upper Ohio Valley Regional Tourism group held a meeting for county leaders in West Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania on May 29.

Formed in 2012, the organization has a goal of promoting local businesses and sharing event updates for the 11 counties it serves.

On Wednesday, the group focused on social media and website marketing. Doug Arbogast, rural tourism specialist with the West Virginia University Extension Service, said the group’s Facebook account and website, visitupperohiovalley.com, are now up and running.

Walking challenge participants hit the trails at Tygart Lake State Park

With the warmer weather, and some people still trying to get their “summer bodies” ready, now is the perfect time to get up, get outdoors and get moving.

The Taylor County West Virginia University Extension Office, in conjunction with the PATCH Coalition of Taylor County, has the perfect thing to get you moving, their new and improved Community Walking Challenge.

The program is designed to help improve the life of residents in the county, by adding steps to their daily routines and years to their lives.

“This year we will be hosting a six-week challenge to set the pace for a yearlong walking group,” shared Jeanette Coole.

WVU Extension colleague Paul Martin passes away

New Hires

• Joshua Meadows, Visiting Instructor - Computer Science, 4-H Youth Development
• John Paul Snuffer, Swimming Pool Attendant (Mountaineer Temp), Jackson’s Mill 
• Emyle Johnston, Swimming Pool Attendant (Mountaineer Temp), Jackson’s Mill
• Dennis Johnson, Secretary (Mountaineer Temp), Kanawha County
• Emilee Spangler, Swimming Pool Attendant (Mountaineer Temp), Jackson’s Mill (effective June 7)

• Sara Jones, Nutrition Outreach Instructor - FNP, Kanawha County
• Vincent Bello, HR Assistant II (Mountaineer Temp), Human Resources

• Amie Middlekauff, Health Educator (FNP) in Berkeley and Morgan counties, has changed her name to Amie Tutor