Section 4: State Project Feature

Section 4: State Project Feature – Volunteer Efforts Provide Direct Assistance to AgrAbility for Pennsylvanians Clients

AgrAbility for Pennsylvanians is a partnership between Pennsylvania State University Cooperative Extension (PSU) and Easter Seals Central Pennsylvania (ES). AgrAbility staff report that relationships with several student groups and volunteer organizations have strengthened AgrAbility’s educational and direct client support efforts.

Three Engineering Projects in Community Services (EPICS) teams completed projects in 2001 that benefit AgrAbility staff, clients, and the general public. Two EPICS teams of mechanical and electrical engineering students designed and built remote control lifts on two model tractors. The models are used at agricultural and health events, and client site visits to demonstrate a working lift. Another EPICS team of four mechanical engineering students designed and built a model grain bin and gravity wagon. AgrAbility staff and county Cooperative Extension agents will use the models at state and county events to show the dangers of flowing grain.

For four years, the agricultural fraternities and sororities at PSU-University Park campus have organized and sponsored an Annual Penny War. This event raises money for an AgrAbility farmer. The farmer receives the award at a dinner planned and hosted each spring by one of the participating fraternities.

The Susquehanna Valley Mall continues to support AgrAbility through the ever-growing annual Fall Farm Fun Fest. Each year the mall organizes activities like auctions and scarecrow building contests to raise money for an AgrAbility farmer in their service area.

AgrAbility staff says that working with these organizations has been a win-win opportunity for all involved. “Wins” include additional program resources, educational opportunities for both the public and the volunteers, and financial assistance and information for AgrAbility clients.

Project Staff

Connie D. Baggett, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor and the AgrAbility Project Director for the Agricultural & Extension Education Department at PSU. He has directed the project since its inception in 1994 with state funding and 1995 with U.S.D.A. funding. As the Principal Investigator, Dr. Baggett oversees all aspects of AgrAbility for Pennsylvanians.
Linda Fetzer is the AgrAbility Project Assistant and Outreach Coordinator for PSU’s Agricultural & Extension Education Department. Fetzer has worked with the AgrAbility Project for over five years. Her background includes injury prevention education and outreach activities.
David Troutman joined Easter Seals Central Pennsylvania in July 2001 as the AgrAbility Case Manager. Troutman has a degree in dairy science and has been a dairy farmer for over 13 years.

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In This Issue
Section 1: Feature Story—AgrAbility for Pennsylvanians Helps Maurer Get Back on Track Section 2: Focus on Strokes Section 3: Assistive Technology Solutions for Farming/Ranching After a Stroke	Section 4: State Project Feature—Volunteer Efforts Provide Direct Assistance to AgrAbility for Pennsylvanian Clients Section 5: Contacts