Do you know where the classes will be held? Suburban counties often have too many applicants, and must turn some away (that's the case in DE county this year). Hopefully they'll refer them to the Philly openings.

Hi Ray,
The Aug. 25th classes are going to be held at the former Kirkbride Center, 111 N. 49th Street, 3rd flr. in West Phila.. It's such a contrast for an ag-type extension office to be in the heart of a rough urban neighborhood. But, the extension office is about community outreach with different programs, so I guess it makes sense. Frankly, I'm quite uncomfortable about the area, so I plan to drive and focus on the classes and the larger picture of why I'm there. They have a secure parking facility, I'm told. I was interviewed at the current extension location at 4601 Market St., but the ext. office is relocating to the Kirbride.

I've surmised that the outlying counties have too many applicants, as you've pointed out, and the interview in those counties is a way of screening out applicants. The Phila. County office uses the interview to find out about one's commitment to volunteerism. I really liked hearing about the various opportunities for putting in hours, which are spread out all over the inner city and suburban-like edges in the Northeast, and include the Phila. Flower Show.

All in all it's a great program that I'm looking forward to, despite the class location. I was told that my class is diverse and a really unique group...a little of everything, including some professional landscapers. I met one guy who volunteers at the Barnes Foundation garden, and we talked about tomatoes and gardens in general. It's going to be an honor to be among such company. I hope you can join us :)
Trish