>The American Youth Horse Council has named Fairbanks volunteer 4-H leader Becky Osimowicz its 2012 Leader of the Year at its annual symposium in Hartford, Conn. Becky was one of the three finalists nationally. The award is given to a volunteer who works with youth and horses and is making a difference. Becky is the co-leader of the Amour de Cheval 4-H club. She has organized many 4-H horse events, from 4-H horse camps to weekly community gymkhana events.

>Want to learn more about preserving Alaska foods? Extension district offices in several locations are offering classes.  Upcoming classes in Anchorage include drying fruits and vegetables on May 8 and making sausage and jerky on May 22. Palmer Extension will offer a June 4 class on smoking fish and two sessions June 11 on canning fish. Fairbanks classes begin May 1 with pickling and will continue through the summer on a variety of topics. See details and register online.  Check with your district office to see what other classes are planned or try out our online resources.

>Community Development Agent Mara Bacsujlaky will lead a basic rock and mineral identification workshop May 10-11 at the Tanana District office in Fairbanks. The $20 fee includes a field ID tool kit.  See details or register online.

>Extension will host a Strengthening Community Agrosecurity Planning Workshop June 10-11 in Wasilla.  The two-day workshop is designed to help community partners handle agricultural issues during an emergency or disaster, improve networking among stakeholders who plan for and respond to emergencies and to enhance agrosecurity within existing local emergency operation plans. Register online. For more information, see the flyer or contact Palmer agent Steve Brown. 

> For past announcements please visit our home page news archive.