More room: New Scott County Extension office improves space for programs

GATE CITY — After more than a year, Scott County's Virginia Cooperative Extension Office has plenty of room to do its job — educating the public.Extension moved into its new quarters in the Gateway Plaza complex in March, and county Extension Agent Scott Jerrell said finishing touches to computers, phone lines and paintwork now have the facility in shape."The (Scott County) Board of Supervisors made it possible to have this space next to the Soil and Water Conservation District offices," Jerrell said. Compared to our old space, we now have at least twice the room and can conduct more services under the same roof.""It gives us opportunities to hold more programs on-site instead of finding other places," said Jerrell. "Not only is it more functional, but it also really meets the needs for our staff and the public."Nutrition Education Facilitators Lisa Berry and Kristy Bishop both said the main common area offers plenty of table space, a kitchen and smart board for sessions on how households can plan and prepare economical yet tasty and nutritious meals."It's very accommodating and huge," Bishop said. "The kitchen allows us to have more hands-on sessions too."It's a castle compared to the old house," Administrative Assistant Angie Johnson said.Many extension agricultural and natural resources programs can also be accommodated, Jerrell said."We've already hosted sessions such as tree grafting here," said Jerrell.Besides nutrition programs, Jerrell said the office also houses the county's 4-H programs under specialist Kasey Fioramonti and Family Consumer Science specialist Brandi Pettey."It's been a long journey, and it's definitely going to benefit all of our programs."The Extension Office is at 369 Gateway Plaza, Suite 102. For more information, call (276) 452-2772.