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The Alabama Extension program has several community events planned for July aimed at educating and engaging residents on a variety of important topics including disaster preparedness and heirs’ property. 

Butler County Extension Coordinator Sharlean Briggs expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming programs. 

“We are incredibly excited about our upcoming programs and the positive impact they will have on our community,” Briggs said. 

Heirs Property: Family Tree and Family Conversation

On Tuesday, July 9, at 5:30 p.m., the Butler County Extension will host an educational workshop in partnership with the Alabama Heirs’ Property Alliance. The workshop aims to educate families about heirs’ property, a situation where land is jointly owned by family members without a clear, marketable title due to the lack of a will or proper estate planning.

Heirs’ property can lead to complications, loss of wealth and disputes, making it difficult to improve the property, use it as loan collateral, or receive state and federal aid. The workshop will provide information on creating a will, thorough estate planning, and securing family legacies.

“Heir property is an important and challenging topic for many families, particularly those with ancestral land passed down through generations,” Briggs said. “We want to offer resources to help you create your family tree and provide ways to start the conversation.”

Sewing Club Summer Day Camp

A summer day camp for the Sewing Club will be held on Tuesday, July 9, from 2:30 to 5 p.m. Registration is required, and space is limited.

4-H Alumni/Volunteer Dinner

Butler County Extension is inviting adult 4-H alumni, former volunteers, and those interested in volunteering or learning about Butler County 4-H programs to a dinner on Thursday, July 11, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Registration is required.

“The developmental life skills that members gain through 4-H participation and involvement have a lasting impact,” Briggs said. “As evidenced by the achievements of our alumni and volunteers.”

Heads-Up Disaster Preparedness

The “Heads-Up” Helping Every Alabamian Develop Storm Understanding and Preparation project is a grassroots educational initiative aimed at enhancing storm preparedness. The project will feature a two-hour educational program for senior citizens and those in need of weather-replacement radios. 

The event will take place on Thursday, July 11, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Butler County Extension office, with lunch provided.

Alabama ranks second in the nation for tornado-related deaths, and lack of knowledge and preparation among citizens often strains emergency management resources during disasters. The Heads-Up project aims to address this issue by teaching storm preparation and recovery, how to use a weather radio, understanding NWS storm warning classifications, and how to seek shelter and recover after a storm.

“The Heads-Up project is providing education and weather resources directly to Butler County residents,” Briggs said. One hundred programmable weather radios will be distributed to residents, but registration is required.

For more information on upcoming programs or to register, contact the Butler County Extension office at 334-382-5111.