Extension continues search for finance specialist

Nevada Daily Mail

After a quick relocation Monday evening caused by a misplaced set of keys, the Vernon County MU Extension Council met at the home of Chairwoman Leslie Carroll-Bartlett instead of the Senior Center.

Six members were in attendance, enough for a quorum, and foremost discussion was an extension job opening that remained vacant.

At the April meeting, Carroll-Bartlett informed council members that she would be sitting in on interviews for an open family financial education specialist position. She reported Monday that interviews last month went well, but candidates thus far were not a fit for Vernon County.

"We're back to posting and working on that again," she said.

The regional family financial education specialist position has been vacant since February. The job involves planning and hosting a slew of financial budgeting and money management programs for both children and adults.

County Program Director Pat Miller said the position is tricky to fill because of the education requirements mixed with a small town atmosphere. Because the position includes teaching, candidates must have a master's degree as well as financial education and experience.

"Someone with that capability wants a big city," council member Darrell Hickman said. Carroll-Bartlett agreed, and said she had seen that during interviews.

"It's kind of hard to find someone in a small town," she said. "We'll keep trying. It takes time."

Beyond filling that position, council members discussed several other topics of importance. Pat Miller told the council that ideas are still ruminating for a summer camp program. The annual youth camp offered by Extension allowed at-risk youth to spend several nights camping for a minimal cost. Because of timing and limited interest, the council agreed at its April meeting to forgo the traditional camping experience at Camp McGuiness for another camp-like activity. One option for this summer is a weeklong day camp at the community center, though no plans have been finalized.

Board members selected an alternate to attend the Regional Council meetings Monday night. The quarterly meetings in Clinton handle staffing plans, a regional travel system and other issues for county extension offices in the area. Kathy Kedigh, who is new to the council this year, volunteered to attend the meetings when Carroll-Bartlett could not.

The council wrapped up its monthly meeting with discussion of Healthy Nevada labeling at the Vernon County Youth Fairgrounds. Carroll-Bartlett said the fairgrounds diner would be equipped with Healthy Nevada's green, yellow and red-labeled food option signs. Color designations are meant to inform snack purchasers of the most healthful choices, with green labels signifying the best options.

Carroll-Bartlett said the fairgrounds will have plenty of yellow and red options because foods like hamburgers, nachos and popcorn are offered. She said some green-labeled options would be available, but that the menu will not change drastically because of fairgoer interest. Funds from the snack stand benefit scholarships, and the council was wary of losing that funding.

"It's going to be interesting to see how Healthy Nevada works out at the fair," Carroll-Bartlett said.

The Extension Council will next meet at 7 p.m., June 9, at the Vernon County Senior Center.