Helping Hand Helps Others Help Themselves

Extension Agency Provides Many County Services

By Doris Ward COURT HOUSE - Almost secluded from view, the Cape May County Extension Service is nestled just off Dennisville Road, a short distance from Cape May Court House. The peaceful setting belies the fact that inside the complex, phones ring almost continuously and vital information is being relayed to residents of Cape May' County on a myriad of subjects. "The whole purpose for the existence of the Extension Service is helping people to help themselves," says John MacLeod, senior agriculture agent. Paraphrasing a well known quotation, MacLeod continued, “if you give a man a fish you can feed him for a day but if you teach him the proper way to fish, you can feed him for a lifetime." The Extension Service has been in existence since 1915 and provides South Jersey farmers with a vast array of information on just about any problem associated with agriculture. Over the years it has kept pace with New Jersey urban growth by constant research and scientific techniques in this field. / ACCORDING TO MACLEOD, there is a gamut of problems as wide as the world that are solved each day by the staff. "We might not have all the answers right at hand but within minutes we can usually put you in contact with someone who does", he said. “We might receive a call requesting information on newly proposed campsites or someone wanting advice on ideat spraying conditions for a newly introduced pesticide. Other calls might include questions on nutrition or

fishing or instructions on setting up displays at a 4-H Fair. “Although each of our staff is a specialist in his field we quite often intermingle our ideas and opinions wilh one another. Occasionally we become involved in projects where the whole team will participate.” “I think it should be made clear however, that we are not just predicted to the problems of the commercial farmer. We are as concerned with your small garden patch of tomatoes as we are acres of field corn. "IN THIS DAY OF advanced technology and scientific approach to agriculture, one might . assume the services at the center would be for adults only, but not so. “From the age of seven years when a child becomes eligible for membership in the 4-H Club to the young adult with aspirations in the agriculture field, the services here are a continuous growing affair. The sooner one instills the importance of environmental appreciation in a child, the sooner one will haile a more knowledgable and responsible adult, according io this team of professionals. Which is just as dedicated to the youngsters as it is to the adults. Agent Larry Newbold, who recently conducted speaking tours at several j local schools, commented, “It was an awakening experience! I knew the kids were concerned iabout the environment, but some of the questions and comments discussed were more provocative than I had antiepated. "SEVERAL WEARS AGO local youngsters revealed their concern when we had “Dune Day,

dedicated to planting beach grass in the local dunes in an effort to prevent erosion. We may be able to use their help again in the hear future, especially after last November’s storm damage " Students at the Lower Cape May Regional School indicated their interest in the ocean as well. when they collaborated with Stewart Tweed, Extension ■ Service Marine Agent, and members at the Atlantic Community College by compiling tapes and slides revealing a historical research of local fishing industries that will be presented in the near future at the Cape May County Library.

enthusiasm for the Fair t< coordinators Carol Manger and Betty

Jean Jesuncosky.

. “The lessons being taugl t here .can become a vital issue in the future”, reasserted NewboH, "for with the world population 'spanning so rkpidly and food_s lurces , rapidly deWinipg. JeSrnlr g the proper methods in produeit g food can mean tht dilferenccQn possi-

a few, yean down

in (jtnlinu-

ble slaryrffion a lew. v the roq/n, or our ability

ing to survive.'

The exploits of Jacques-Yves

Cousteau aboard the Caiypho and Rachel Carson, through her book, "The Silent Spring", has contributed undeniable benefiti in the world's concern over jhc environ-

ment but in their own little

Although most of Tweed's day is

devoted to the interest of area ... ,, fishermen, he assisted the 4-H . wo ™. the Cape May Marine Srienre Clnh in enncinie, ^Extension Service is also z

Marine Science Club in construe-' ting several aquariums containing a variety of marine life, captivating sightseers and staff alike. THE ABILITY OF the staff to maintain a camaraderie with local youngsters was clearly evident at the Fall Festival of the 4-H Club when they expressed their

involved! in making Capo County, a better place in w

live

corner lounty

actively

May

lich to

(Doris Ward is a freelance

‘‘phntdf’raphrr residing in Capr M< v Coiirl

House Many of he regular features

Magazine )

articles and pi of Cape May

ter anrf

olos are County