UT-Extension Offices To Fully Reopen On June 1

Upper Cumberland Ag Extension Offices are preparing to fully reopen on June 1.

Putnam County UT Extension Director Michelle Parrott said telecommuting has been a challenge for an office overseeing many programs and groups. Parrott said extension offices are meant to be available to people whether it’s for 4-H or family and consumer sciences.

“We are getting back to what I would say is normal and we’re much more efficient when we’re there for everyone coming by,” Parrott said. “That’s what extension is, we’re there for the people in the community and we want everyone to feel like, ‘hey, anytime we can stop by.”

Parrott said one thing the office is asking people to do is enter the building through the glass doors facing the fairgrounds. She said they share the space with federal employees who are not full reopened.

The Putnam County UT-Extension Office is located at 900 S Walnut Ave.

“We’ll open those doors up and really have the offices available and that’s what’s key really,” Parrott said. “Is just having all of us available and there for the public no matter what topic that they need information on.”

Parrott said when it comes to groups and events, they will still look to offer remote participation. However, there are plans for summer events.

“With our community clubs, with our 4-H club groups, with our FCS programming and nutritional programming,” Parrott said. “I will tell you though that we will be social distancing, the staff will still be wearing masks. We will be cleaning in between customers and groups if we are using conference rooms and things like that.”

Parrott said that anyone interested in participating in one of their summer offerings should follow the Putnam Ag extension office on its website. She said this is where people can connect to participate in summer events and classes remotely.