Learning about Virginia Cooperative Extension
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Learning about Virginia Cooperative Extension

Showcase describes programs.

Becky Halbe, a Master Gardener volunteer, hands out radishes and spinach seeds perfect for growing inside as microgreens. "They are popular right now and full of nutrition and vitamins. Here we have a balcony display. Many neighbors are urban dwellers and they need something they can do."

Becky Halbe, a Master Gardener volunteer, hands out radishes and spinach seeds perfect for growing inside as microgreens. "They are popular right now and full of nutrition and vitamins. Here we have a balcony display. Many neighbors are urban dwellers and they need something they can do." Photo by Shirley Ruhe.

By Shirley Ruhe

Wednesday, December 12, 2018

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Photo by Shirley Ruhe

John McGuiness, Master Finance Volunteer, says their Money Smart Buy program teaches basic financial skills like how to create a budget, how to start some savings, cash flow, paying your bills on time. Teresa Germann, another Master Finance Volunteer, says she is starting a new program in January aimed at seniors on how to live well in this area on a fixed income. Yvonne Norton, also a Master Finance Volunteer, says they have programs for students beginning in fifth grade. "We give them an income and they have to buy food, health insurance and other expenses. Many of them say how expensive it is to have kids."

The Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) Arlington and Alexandria branches held their annual 2018 Showcase on Friday, Dec. 7 at the Fairlington Community Center. The value of extension volunteer hours in Arlington County and the City of Alexandria is $1,173,148. For every $1 invested, Arlington and Alexandria VCE return $11.67. Arlington County Board Chair Katie Cristol told the group it’s clear how much the government values their efforts: "You are a force multiplier."

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