From Your Community Leader
Kira Sims
New Extension Coordinator for Cullman County
By Kelly Wheeler
There is a new Cullman County Extension Coordinator in town who might appear little in stature , but her desire to make a difference in the Cullman County community is larger than life .
Kira Chaloupka Sims , who grew up in Opelika and graduated from Opelika High School in 2009 , stepped into the role during the summer after the former coordinator , Tony Glover , retired after more than 30 years .
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System is the primary outreach and engagement organization for the land-grant mission of Alabama A & M University and Auburn University in cooperation with Tuskegee University .
Cullman County is one of 67 Alabama counties to have an Extension Office and is supported by Regional Extension Agents across the state , and specialists at both partner universities . The core values differentiate Extension in today ’ s education marketplace .
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System , including
Cullman County , values the following :
• Research-based programs , materials , and education activities Positive relationships with clients , communities , partners and stakeholders
• Relevant programming that addresses current societal challenges and opportunities Their goal is to reach Alabamians by providing research-based educational programs in agriculture , forestry , wildlife , and natural resources ; family and consumer sciences ; economics and community development ; 4-H and youth development ; and urban affairs .
The Extension office uses innovative methods to deliver educational content to community and homes . Information and programs are available online , or in person at County Extension Offices and teaching sites
Blake and Kira Sims at their home in North Carolina
throughout Alabama communities . The website ( aces . edu ) has current information about 4-H , Farming , Fish and Water , Food Safety , Forestry and Wildlife , Home and Family , Lawn and Garden , and Urban Extension . The website can help you find online courses , mobile apps , interactive videoconferences , and webinars .
The face-to-face learning opportunities include community meetings , classroom demonstrations , field days , farm or home visits and 4-H clubs and camps . A majority of the programs are offered at no cost to the client .
Kira Sims started her career with Extension and brings that experience to her position in Cullman County . “ After living in North Carolina for several years , I knew I wanted to come back to Alabama , bringing the knowledge and experience I had gained from their Extension system ,” Sims said . “ The Cullman County position was appealing because it would bring us close to my husband ’ s family and draw on a connection my grandfather had here in Cullman .”
6 | WINTER 2021 CULLMAN COUNTY SENIOR MAGAZINE