Dee Furlough
State ESP Mid Career Award

Professional Achievements:
Hispanic/Latino Outreach- Have done considerable work in the local Hispanic community in acquiring grants to provide translation and educational outreach through Cooperative Extension. Initiated the local Hispanic/Latino Advisory Council which has served as a model for several surrounding counties. Have made numerous presentations on the local, district, state and national level on working with Hispanics.
Read Me a Story - Have utilized the Read Me a Story curriculum and presented nutrition education to 3 to 7 year old children in Tyrrell County through: Head Start, Day Cares, After-School Programs, 4-H Clubs, Public Library, Elementary School and more. Teachers report that participants show a marked increase in selecting healthy foods, and many tried particular nutritious foods for the first through the Read Me a Story program.
Young Extension and Community Club - While many of the traditional, older ECA clubs are folding, the Young ECA club of Tyrrell County has thrived and expanded. Members ages are from early 20's to early 40's. This group is a major contributor to local needs, giving back several thousand dollars to the community each year. Some projects include: Hope Tree for Senior Citizens, Thanksgiving meals for shut-ins, Relay for Life Team, various community projects, and numerous donations to families and individuals who have experienced setbacks.
Aging With Gusto - Member of a multi-county team presenting educational outreach to senior citizens for 6 years. Have served as registration chair each year, and presented break-out sessions for 3 years. Received positive evaluations on personal presentations, as well as the program as a whole. Have many return participants, as well as new ones each year.
Displays featuring Local Crops - Each year construct various displays for the public on agricultural crops of local economic importance. These displays hold prominent spots in such places as the local Visitor's Center, the Columbia Theater and the Extension Office. Those who view the displays learn how such crops as potatoes and soybeans contribute to Tyrrell's economy, and have the opportunity to pick up brochures and various samples of the particular product.
Healthy for Life - Co-initiator of this multi-county program which debuted in 2002. The focus is directed at teaching those 45 to 65 about how to get the most out of life through health, fitness, financial management, nutrition and more. This program has much potential and will be expanded in the future.
Farm Safety Day Camp - Member of a multi-county team that teaches youth safety while on the farm and around the home. Have served as either chair or co-chair for the past 3 years. Both the youth involved as well as the adult monitors report that they learn very much from this camp, and share the information with others.
Fruitsy Tootsie - Each year, present Mrs. Fruitsy Tootsie to all the First Graders (and other groups as requested). This program focuses on fruits and vegetables, where they come from, why they are good for us, why we should eat them every day, and ends with a tasting party. This is a program the first graders look forward to each year!
Holiday Bake-Off - Initiated the ECA Holiday Bake-Off held during the county's Rivertown Christmas on the Scuppernong festival. Numerous residents have participated in this event, which features ribbons, cash awards and news coverage. Participants have been both male and female and all ages, and it has introduced many to the Extension and Community Association and strengthened ties to Cooperative Extension. This program is being expanded in 2002.

Significance:
Dee Furlough has worked with North Carolina Cooperative Extension since 1991. As a Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent, she provides quality educational programs to the people of Tyrrell County. Her outreach is multi-faceted and includes such audiences as: pre-school and elementary age children, senior citizens, Hispanics, and those interested in improving the community. Primary program thrusts have included: community economics and development, volunteer development, health and nutrition, and building resillient families. Through Cooperative Extension, Dee strives to provide educational opportunities which enable others to make informed decisions for themselves, their families and their community.