Purdue Extension Weekly Update
April 23th, 2026
Dear Friends of Purdue Extension,
Purdue Day of Giving is right around the corner on April 29th, and we’re excited to be part of this incredible day of generosity and community. The Purdue Day of Giving is an annual fundraising event that brings the community together on a single day to donate toward an amazing cause. ALL funds donated will go directly to the county, if you use the link below. The event also provides Marshall County Extension with an opportunity to gain additional funds from Purdue Campus from the donations made on that day. The greater NUMBER of donations made will give Marshall County a higher percentage of matching funds, so several small donations can be extremely important. $10 can go a long way!
This year, we're continuing to focus on our project from last year which is something truly meaningful—connecting the community with nature through an Interactive Forestry and Pollinator Trail designed for hands-on learning and discovery. We are partnering with Potawatomi Wildlife Park to bring this opportunity to life. These trails will provide youth, families, community members, and outdoor enthusiasts with opportunities to explore native plant life, understand ecosystems, and experience the importance of pollinators—all while learning through beautiful trails and exploration. The project completed phase 1 last year, and we are hopeful to raise enough funds to complete phase 2. The trail will be located at the Potawatomi Wildlife Park, 16998 IN-331, Tippecanoe, IN 46570 in Marshall County.
Our goal is to raise $2,000 to help build and enhance these outdoor learning spaces for a lasting future and for all to enjoy. To give, please visit https://tinyurl.com/26DoGMarshallCo on April 29th or stop by the Marshall County Extension office during normal business hours M-F 8AM- 4PM ET!
With your support, we can create an engaging environment where curiosity grows, and future environmental stewards are inspired. Every dollar brings us closer to making this experience possible for our community and beyond. Whether you can make a gift, help spread the word, or both, your participation will make a real impact. Together, we can make this Purdue Day of Giving one to remember—for the community, the environment, and the future. Thank you for believing in the power of learning and the beauty of nature.
Warm regards,
Karen Richey
County Extension Director & Health and Human Sciences Educator
Jayne Deaton
4-H & Youth Development Educator
Brieanna Slonaker
Agriculture & Natural Resources Educator
Please check out the most current dates for both ServSafe Food Handler and ServSafe Manager Classes that will be held in the Marshall County Extension office. Please register for the course you need with the links below.
May 7th 2026 ServSafe Manager Class
For more information and to register click HERE
Reducing neck and shoulder pain from screens does not require a perfect workstation or major lifestyle changes. Small, consistent adjustments to how you position yourself and how often you move can make a meaningful difference.
Adjust Screen Height
Screen height plays a major role in head and neck position. When screens are too low, people naturally lean forward, increasing strain on the neck and upper back. Ideally, the midpoint of your screen should be at about eye level, so you are not constantly looking down or craning your neck. Screen distance matters too. Keeping your screen about an arm’s length away can help reduce visual strain and prevent the gradual “drifting” toward the screen that often leads to a slouched posture over time.
Check Your Sitting Posture
Posture awareness helps reduce unnecessary tension throughout the neck, shoulders, and upper back. Sitting with your head stacked over your shoulders and your shoulders relaxed helps distribute the load more evenly. Aim to keep your elbows bent at about 90 degrees with your keyboard close enough that your shoulders do not creep upward and your feet should rest flat on the floor for stability.
Take Movement Breaks
Your best posture is your next posture. Movement breaks help interrupt long periods of static posture. Even brief standing or stretching breaks can help reset muscle tension.
Limit Prolonged Head Positions
Phone use often encourages looking down for long periods. Bringing your phone closer to eye level helps reduce neck strain during scrolling or texting.
Health and Human Sciences/County Extension Director
Email: krichey@purdue.edu
Website: extension.purdue.edu/Marshall
Location: 112 W Jefferson St, Plymouth, IN, USA
Phone: 574-935-8545
Facebook: facebook.com/marshallHHS
4-H Youth Development
Jayne Deaton
Email: jedeaton@purdue.edu
Website: https://extension.purdue.edu/Marshall
Location: 112 West Jefferson Street, Plymouth, IN, USA
Phone: 574-935-8545
Facebook: facebook.com/MarshallCo4H
Ag and Natural Resources
Email: brieanna@purdue.edu
Website: extension.purdue.edu/Marshall
Location: 112 West Jefferson Street, Plymouth, IN, USA
Phone: 574-935-8545
Facebook: facebook.com/marshallanr
