While the growing season is drawing near the end, the weather has shifted, and so have many of our jobs and responsibilities.  Martin County Extension has been part of Grow Appalachia for several years, and we have enjoyed every moment provided.  During this time we have been able to help many families in their garden endeavors and enabled them to learn the basics of gardening and food preservation as well as many other aspects of agriculture all the while forming bonds and lasting friendships with many of these folks and their families.  During the last few years, we have helped 50-plus families every season.  We have provided plants, seeds, fertilizer, education, equipment, and more to enhance their gardens.  These families have in turn provided healthy meals to their family and friends.

With the retirement of our Agriculture and Natural Resource Agent, Roger Mollette, we will be taking a little time off from Grow Appalachia in hopes of returning the following year after the University of Kentucky fills the vacancy of his job.  We realize what a detriment this will be for many of our families but we still will be there to offer them knowledge as well as support and anything else we have to offer them in the upcoming year.  We feel ever so grateful for this opportunity and look forward to new opportunities as we seek to become part of Grow Appalachia in the near future.