TOWN OF ALDERSON POST OFFICE BOX 179 CITY BUILDING—202 SOUTH MONROE STREET ALDERSON, WEST VIRGINIA 24910 TELEPHONE (304) 445-2916 NEWS RELEASE - June 13, 2018

Contact:  Mayor Travis Copenhaver 304-445-2916 / Margaret Hambrick 304-646-2439

Summer Ag Institute Meets In Alderson As   part   of   a   two-day   program,   51   teachers   enjoyed   lunch,   prepared   by   Mary   Clay   and   Elisa’s   Eatery,   and heard   a   lecture   about   “Pollinators”   by   Sarah   Cross   Owen,   Pollinator   Specialist,   WV   Division   of   Natural Resources/Natural   Resources   Conservation   Service,   in   the   Fellowship   Hall   of   the   Alderson   Presbyterian Church   on   Wednesday,   June   13,   2018.     This   “Summer Agricultural   Institute   for   Educators”   is   sponsored   by the    Extension    Service    of    WVU,    the    WV    Farm    Bureau    Foundation,    and    the    WVU    Davis    College    of Agriculture,   Natural   Resources   and   Design.   Teachers   can   receive   course   credit   through   WVU   with   the completion of some additional work. Joan   Harman,   Director   of   Public   Relations,   WV   Farm   Bureau,   said,   “We   use   this   program   to   increase awareness   of   agriculture   and   its   impact   on   our   lives.      We   want   to   erase   misconceptions   and   show   support and appreciation for the farmers who have a very difficult job.”  Following   the   recommendations   of   participants   from   previous   years,   this   year   is   an   “all   travel”   program with   stops   at   Hawk   Knob   Cidery   and   Meadery;   the   USDA   Appalachian   Plant   Materials   Center;   Daniels Maple Syrup; Perkins Organic Dairy; and the groundskeeper at the Greenbrier Resort.  Dr.   Deborah   A.   Boone,   Professor,   Ag   and   Extension   Education   at   WVU,   said,   “Agriculture   is   the   original STEM   (science,   technology,   engineering,   math)   program   since   all   of   those   disciplines   are   used   throughout agricultural   processes.         Our   goal   is   to   improve   agricultural   literacy   among   teachers   so   they   can   share   with their students.” PHOTO   CAPTION:      Fifty-one   teachers   listen   to   a   lecture   on   “Pollinators”   by   Sarah   Cross   Owen,   Pollinator Specialist,   WV   Division   of   Natural   Resources/Natural   Resources   Conservation   Service   during   a   visit   to Alderson as part of the “Summer Agricultural Institute for Educators” (Click on photo for larger view)