In this edition
- Extension hosts sixth annual Kickoff to Kindergarten
- Kids learn about healthy lifestyles at Healthy Kids Festival
- Extension provides free bilingual virtual resources for small business owners
- Thriving Research Center and Demonstration Orchard gives back to the community
- 4-H keeps youth engaged throughout the summer and fall
- Extension staff recognized for their work in early childhood education
- Extension Director search process begins
About our College
A founding college of the University, we have a long tradition of excellence in teaching, research and engagement programs that benefit the health and economic vitality of Nevada. We offer programs in:
- agriculture, horticulture, rangeland and veterinary sciences
- biochemistry and molecular biology
- children, youth and families
- community and economic development
- health and nutrition
- natural resources and environmental science
Extension hosts sixth annual Kickoff to Kindergarten
University of Nevada, Reno Extension’s Partners in Parenting team hosted the sixth annual Kickoff to Kindergarten for children ages 3-5 and their families in Clark County. This year’s theme was “hats off to community helpers” and featured fun hands-on learning activities and helpful resources for families thanks to participating agencies. The event had 241 participants, 29 volunteers and 22 vendors. Kindergarten readiness supplies were given to participants from 34 zip codes. This year’s event was held Aug. 21 at the East Las Vegas Library.
Extension staff pass out backpacks with school supplies to families attending the Kickoff to Kindergarten event.
Clark County District D Commissioner William McCurdy's staff hands out resources and backpacks at the Kickoff to Kindergarten event.
Kids learn about healthy lifestyles at Healthy Kids Festival
On Sept. 25, Extension held its Healthy Kids Festival at the Bob Price Recreation Center in Clark County. The free event is held annually during National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month to provide healthy activities for families with children between the ages of 3 and 8 years old. The festival featured a day of fun activities including music and dancing, gardening, chef demonstrations, a fruit and vegetable market, and more.
This year’s event featured indigenous performances from six-time world-champion hoop dancer and musician, Tony Duncan. Duncan played the flute as his children performed Native American dances to I AM A Seed, music created as a collaboration between Duncan and the University for early childhood physical activity and gardening curriculum at the Healthy Kids Festival.
The event’s attendance included 824 children, 576 parents, 27 exhibitors and 63 volunteers.
It was sponsored by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Clark County Parks & Recreation, Southern Nevada Health District, Clark County Commissioner Marilyn Kirkpatrick and La Bonita Supermarkets.
Learn more about programs aimed at keeping our kids healthy throughout the year and check out Extension’s Healthy Kids toolboxes.
Explore the physical activity toolbox
Explore the nutrition toolbox
Tony Duncan plays the flute as his children perform Native American dances.
Fitness staff joins participants at the Healthy Kids Festival to guide physical activities.
Offices of Senator Cortez-Masto and Congressman Horsford share the importance of physical activity with children through a "spin the wheel" game.
Fitness staff lead Healthy Kids Festival participants in dance activities from the stage.
Extension provides free bilingual virtual resources for small business owners
Business instructors Juan Salas, Reyna Mendez and Mike Bindrup stop to take a group selfie at their latest Latin Chamber event, “Marketing para las fiestas.”
University of Nevada, Reno Extension recently launched a virtual classroom to provide free learning resources to current and future small business owners in Nevada.
The virtual classroom, which is part of Extension’s Small Business Education Program, includes a fully stocked digital library of educational content and is available in both English and Spanish.
READ MORE ABOUT THE VIRTUAL CLASSROOM
learn more about the Small Business Education Program
Thriving Research Center and Demonstration Orchard gives back to the community
Plums are flourishing at the Orchard.
From July through September, Extension’s Research Center and Demonstration Orchard, located in North Las Vegas, harvested more than 10,425 pounds of produce, which included warm-season vegetables, grapes, fruit and nuts.
During this harvest, 957 people visited the Orchard, and volunteers donated more than 1,500 hours of their time at the Orchard. It also donated $4,220 worth of produce free to senior citizens in Clark County who are homebound; Master Gardeners and community volunteers; veterans; University of Nevada, Reno and UNLV staff members; UNLV Nutrition Center's Food Bank; and staff at various businesses who support the Research Center, such as Starbucks, Lucky Jack Cold Brew, STAR Nursery, Circle K, First Choice Tree Service, Sanders Family Winery and Desert Bread.
The Orchard is open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon. Farm stand produce is available any day the Orchard is open to the public.
In November, the anticipated harvest includes pomegranates, European pears, persimmons and apples. There are many events, including fruit tree pruning classes, beginning with peaches and nectarines on Nov. 18 and 20.
Discover upcoming classes and learn more about the Orchard
Butternut squash from the Orchard.
Fresh green and red peppers picked fresh from the Orchard.
4-H keeps youth engaged throughout the summer and fall
4-H camp included opportunities for youth to express themselves through art.
During the summer, 4-H hosted day camps that provided 135 Clark County youth an engaging and educational summer experience.
This fall, 4-H will hold more than 28 programs that will include 96 workshops. These programs can be found on Extension's events calendar by searching 4-H in Clark County.
Search for 4-H events
Also this fall, Clark County 4-H will hold its annual awards ceremony to celebrate its outstanding 4-H youth members, club leaders and adult volunteers on Sat., Nov. 6,11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Extension’s Lifelong Learning Center.
Learn more about 4-H
Extension staff recognized for their work in early childhood education
The Southern Chapter of the Nevada Association for the Education of Young Children recognized Extension Early Childhood Education Coordinators Erin Skaggs and Janelle Jamero for their tireless and committed care to the early childhood community.
The organization highlighted their mentorship abilities and hardwork and positive attitudes.
READ THE AWARD ANNOUNCEMENT
Learn about Extension's Early Childhood Education Programs
Janelle Jamero with her award from the Nevada Association for the Education of Young Children.
Erin Skaggs with her award from the Nevada Association for the Education of Young Children.
Extension Director search process begins
Shannon Horrillo.
Interim Director appointed, committee being formed, search firm hired
Extension has appointed Shannon Horrillo (pictured) as Interim Associate Dean for Engagement and Director of Extension after serving as Associate Director of Extension for the past two years. A search for a new Extension director is underway. Professor and State Specialist Teresa Byington will chair the search committee for the director's position.
The search committee composition will include elected Extension academic and administrative faculty members and classified staff, as well as county commissioners and community stakeholders, as consistent with Extension bylaws. The chair of Extension’s Advisory Council and the Executive Director of the Nevada Association of Counties (NACO) will also serve on the committee.
Additionally, the recruiting firm Academic Search has been hired, and faculty, staff and stakeholders will be invited in the near future to participate in a listening session to share feedback on priorities for the next Director of Extension/Associate Dean for Engagement.
