“Reaching Out Report” the Greene County Extension Newsletter 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, Mo. 65807 Email: greeneco@missouri.edu * Tel: (417) 881-8909
April 2016 *
Vol. 9, Issue 4
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Financial Scorecard… pages 2 Upcoming events … pages 3-4 Nutrition program… page 5 David Burton … pages 6-9 Tim Schnakenberg … pages 10 Renette Wardlow … pages 11-12 Patrick Byers … pages 13-14 Jeff Barber … pages 14 Master Naturalists … page 15 Kelly McGowan … page 16 4-H Report … page 17-18 Pam Duitsman… page 19 Staff & Partners… page 20 Friends of Extension… page 21
Subscribe Now! Become a subscriber and receive a monthly email with the direct link for reading the “Reaching Out Report” online. Send your request by email to burtond@missouri.edu.
Get Social with Extension, Learn More The headline was direct: “White-blossomed Bradford Pear Tree Used in Landscaping has an Unwanted, Invasive Side.” David Burton, civic communication specialist with University of Missouri Extension, wrote the story this fall. It was re-released on social media the first week in March when Bradford Pear trees started their annual bloom. As a result, the story/post reached extraordinary numbers across all of the various social media pages maintained by Burton for MU Extension. In its first week, the story had reached over 26,000 page views on social media. It has been re-shared by others over 230 times and was opened and read online 8500 times in its first four days on social media. (Over 5,000 of those views on the Friends of the Garden blog alone.) Connect with the Greene County Extension Council on Facebook or MUExtension417 on Twitter.
University of Missouri Extension is an equal opportunity/ access/ affirmative action/ pro-disabled and veteran employer.
Greene County “Reaching Out” Report
Last Updated March 24, 2016
Greene Game of Business Greene County Extension Scorecard – March 2016 Income 0100 · Student Fees
YTD #s
Budget #
$9,846.00
$11,000.00
DIFF $1,154.00
Total % OWNER Forecast 90% McGowan
$6,000.00
Actuals $8,005.00
$38,250.00
$36,000.00 -$2,250.00
106%
Burton
$0.00
$0.00
0400 · Gift/Grants/Contracts
$9,545.00
$25,000.00 $15,455.00
38%
Burton
$6,000.00
$8,260.00
0900 · Resales/Fees/Soil Tests
$4,773.95
$1,300.00
$2,448.00
$13,300.00
$18,713.00
0210 · County Appropriations
2100 - Postage Allotment 2600 - MCHP Subsidy 1600 - Balance Transfers
$0.00
$9,030.00
$4,256.05
53%
Byers
$2,200.00
$2,200.00
0%
Burton
$4,000.00
$4,000.00
0%
Black
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00 #DIV/0!
Burton
72%
$62,414.95
$87,230.00 $24,815.05
2700 · Personnel - Wages
$6,658.13
$30,980.00 $24,321.87
21%
Black
$2,184.00
$2,120.00
2800 · Payroll Expenses
$1,774.01
$10,050.00
$8,275.99
18%
Black
$530.00
$506.76
3100 · Travel
$1,568.33
$7,000.00
$5,431.67
22% Duitsman
$550.00
$734.00
$537.92
$4,000.00
$3,462.08
13%
Black
$225.00
$215.99
$0.00
$1,000.00
$1,000.00
0%
Black
$100.00
$0.00
Total Income Expense
3600 · Postage & Postage Meter 3700 · Telephone Service
$0.00
$2,100.00
$2,100.00
0%
Barber
$60.00
$0.00
$230.89
$2,750.00
$2,519.11
8%
Burton
$300.00
$230.89
$0.00
$500.00
$500.00
0%
Burton
$100.00
$0.00
$2,283.37
$6,000.00
$3,716.63
38%
Black
$300.00
$2,369.16
$0.00
$400.00
$400.00
0%
Burton
$0.00
$0.00
$39.00
$100.00
$61.00
39%
Burton
$100.00
$0.00
6400 - Other Contract Services
$0.00
$3,100.00
$3,100.00
0%
Burton
$100.00
$0.00
6800 - Insurance
$0.00
$400.00
$400.00
0%
Black
$0.00
$0.00
7010 - Ext. Council Election
$0.00
$1,600.00
$1,600.00
0%
Council
$1,118.50
$3,800.00
$2,681.50
29%
$0.00
$1,100.00
-$18.50
102%
$513.99
$2,600.00
$2,600.00
$0.00
$950.00
$436.01
$3,610.00
$8,800.00
$5,190.00
3900 · Advertising 4700 · Publishing/Printing 4800 · Reproduction & Copies 5100 · Supplies/Services 5110 · Annual Meeting 5600 · Professional services
7100 · Soil Test Expenses 7200 · Publications for Resale 7300 · Repairs/Maintenance 7700 - Furniture / Equipment 7999 - Fee Generation MU Total Expense NET INCOME
$18,334.14
$87,230.00 $68,895.86
$44,080.81 $
-
-$44,080.81
$0.00
$0.00
Byers
$200.00
$808.00
Byers
$285.00
$0.00
0%
Burton
$120.00
$121.50
54%
Barber
$0.00
$0.00
41% Wardlow
$4,500.00
$3,550.00
21%
$9,654.00
$10,656.30
$3,646.00
$8,056.70
51% Forcast
Our Critical Number this year is “Net Income” and our goal is to finish the year in the black (positive balance) so those funds can be applied toward additional programs in the 2017 budget.
Online at http://extension.missouri.edu
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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report
Last Updated March 24, 2016
Selected Upcoming Extension Events in Greene County
Potting Shed University Invest in gardening skills for life and become a better gardener. Different topic every week. Offered by MU Extension and Master Gardeners of Greene County. Call 891-1515. Age: 18 yrs. and up | Fee: $5/class Time: Mon., 6-8 p.m. Date: 4-Apr Small Gardens Trees 11-Apr Haybale Gardening 18-Apr Twilight Gardens For details: http://mggreene.org/
Business Classes in Springfield Regular business classes are held at the Small Business Development and Technology Center, 405 North Jefferson Ave., Springfield. Register by calling (417) 836-5685 or check online www.ws.missouristate.edu/sbdc
94th Greene County Agriculture Production Conference Our annual event begins at 5:30 p.m. on March 29 at the Springfield Livestock Center. Call the office to reserve your seat.
8th Annual Butterfly Festival meets Young Sprouts in the Garden Young Sprouts in the Garden, a free event which offers hands-on gardening adventures for children, will join activities at the popular Butterfly Festival. This combined event will be held Saturday, June 25, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Program Calendar Online The most up-to-date list of reported upcoming MU Extension programs in Greene County is available online at http://extension.missouri.edu/greene Calendar visible on right side of page.
Learn How to Start Your Own Business with The First Steps “Starting a Small Business: The First Steps”: March 30, 1 pm - 4 pm ($25 for Chamber members / $35 for non-members). Class will be held at the Republic Community Center, 711 E Miller Rd., Republic, Mo. This three-hour offering will provide you with an overview of the critical first steps associated with starting a business. It is designed specifically for those who are thinking about a new business venture. Participants will learn about the importance of planning, discuss legal and regulatory requirements and identify sources of funding. Pre-registration and advance payment is required.
Learn to Put Your City on the Map! Let's Put Our Cities #OnTheMap: May 2, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. — FREE class in celebration of Small Business Week! Class held at the Republic Branch LIBRARY, 921 N. Lindsey Ave., Republic, MO 65738. Local customers are looking for what you offer and they’re looking online. That’s why we’re teaming up with Google to host free workshops to help you get online and on the map through claiming your Google Business Listing for free. Help more customers connect with your business on the web–it’s free and easy to get started. This program is hands on and will use available wifi access. Attendees should bring their own laptops so we can go through how to get their business online using Google tools. Preregistration is required so we can have adequate materials available. Pre-registration is required by this class is offered FREE.
Space for Rent The Botanical Center offers meeting space for social gatherings and business functions. Contact us for all of your needs! Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene Close Memorial Park. 417-891-1515 | www.botanicalcenter.org
Greene County “Reaching Out” Report
Last Updated March 24, 2016
Selected Upcoming Extension Events in Greene County
Greene County “Reaching Out” Report
Last Updated March 24, 2016
Family Nutrition Education Program Becky Roark
Family Nutrition Education Program
Finished classes at : 2160 W. Chesterfield Blvd. Suite F200 McGregor Elementary— Chesterfield Village, Springfield, Mo. Kindergarten, 54 students Tel: 417-886-2059 * http://missourifamilies.org Sherwood Elementary --3rd, 4th, 5th grades, 227 students Started a new session of classes at: Shady Dell Early Childhood Center--Pre-K, 175 students North Elementary (Willard)-K—4th grades, 300 students Assisted at these food pantries: Well of Life Food Pantry—250 families Williams Edmondson Fossett Nevatt Central Assembly Food Pantry --142 families Participated in video training for Jay and Extension people on 3/15
Sherri Hull
Completed series of lessons for K-3rd grade at Ash Grove Elementary – 182 kids Completed series of lessons for PK-6th grade at Walnut Grove Elementary – 150 kids Completed series of lessons for K-2nd grade at Mann Elementary – 204 kids Display and discussion at Victory Mission Food Pantry – 134 adults Display and discussion at Hovey House Community Center – 20 adults
Jenni Nevatt Family Nutrition Education Program (FNEP) has a new partnership with the Springfield-Greene County Library district and the SpringfieldGreene County Health Department offering “Can Do Cooking” classes at the Midtown-Carnegie Branch library. These classes are geared to help families learn how to build delicious and healthy meals from canned goods and other common pantry staples. FNEP Program Manager, Jenni Nevatt, will demonstrate easy cooking techniques to help participants create new family favorites from inexpensive, packaged ingredients. This month 6 adults attended the first session to learn how to plan, shop, and save money on food purchases. Rinda Dunn, Public Health Nurse
Online at http://extension.missouri.edu
Roark
Hull
Wood
with the Springfield-Greene County Health Department, will bring fresh produce from the Springfield Community Gardens in July to demonstrate how to prepare fresh fruits and vegetables. Little ones can enjoy a story time and craft while parents attend the program. One attendee at each session will win a prize!
Marty Wood Marty will be moving her office out of the Botanical Center and back to the Chesterfield office effective May 1.
Angie Langston
I served a total of 143 students in the Logan-Rogersville Elementary 3rd grade classes in February. I will be in the 2nd grade classrooms beginning the later part of March for their lessons. Page 5
Greene County “Reaching Out” Report
Last Updated March 24, 2016
Civic Communication Specialist & County Program Director Direct contact where learning is occurring is considered teaching. This includes one-to-one calls, emails to individuals who have asked questions or sought information, meetings that include learning, and classes.
CPD RESPONSIBILITES Attended County Commission meeting. Write and edit “Reaching Out Report” Regular updates to county website Great Game of Business details/planning includes set up and coordination of the staff and council mini-games. Organize and conduct weekly staff huddles Approved travel for Greene County programs Computer upgrade process underway. Office administration and management MARKETING Created a list serv for Missouri Historic Schools Alliance and the distribution of our future free newsletter. Developed social media pages for Howell County. Special distributions in the county of flyers and brochures about the Ag Production Conference and then business class in Republic TRAINING Regional faculty meeting Regional council meeting Online training in Constant Contact Online training for Donor Snap Community Development monthly meeting Partnership with Weather Ready Nation. Community Emergency Management mtg Training for community development online leadership program known as LOFT Public Relations Society of America meeting in Springfield
FUNDRAISING Wrote and submitted grant to Darr Foundation for ag programs. Managed donations given online and in person as well as acknowledgement letters for two months. Preparing print and online materials for 2016 Give Ozarks.
David Burton Civic communication burtond@missouri.edu
PROGRAMMING Training staff for reporting paperwork and adding items to online calendar. Working regionally on social media pages in order to expand our efforts by improving our social media pages. Writing article for the Journal of Extension. GREAT GAME OF BUSINESS Staff mini-game for the year will focus on beating last year’s high mark for paid registrations in Greene County Extension programs. Our minimum goal is 725.
LEGISLATIVE DAY Maggie Black, David Burton, Patrick Byers and Ann Hall attended the University of Missouri Legislative Day on March 2 in order to meet with legislators and educate them on the impact of MU Extension programs in Greene County. Messenger Attendees were able to meet with several legislators and had an extended conversation with Rep. Jeff Messenger whose district includes Ash Grove, Willard and Republic.
David Burton’s focus of work as civic communication specialist: Community and civic engagement through communication and media relations, leading and moderating focus groups, non-profit education and support, social media in support of disaster recovery and response, marketing extension regionally, heritage tourism with an emphasis on restoring historic schools; and engaging council members with media relations efforts like the Southwest Region News Service and the Expert Source Program. As county program director: David also works with the elected council to operate, fund and administer the local Greene County Extension office and to plan local programs, to engage council members in this and other work, and to generate local revenue to support programs in Greene County
Online at http://extension.missouri.edu
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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report
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Civic Communication Specialist & County Program Director Mo Procurement Center Helps Businesses Sell to Government; April Trainings in Springfield When considering target markets for their products and services, many business owners overlook one with vast potential: government at all three levels. The Missouri Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (offers hands-on seminars to identify and secure the government contracts, including: “Writing a Winning Proposal for Government Contracts” is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday, April 21, at the Greene County MU Extension office in Springfield. Attendees will learn the standard
forms used in government solicitations, review all format requirements, how to best introduce your organization, restate the scope of work in deliverables and requirements, assess evaluation criteria and minimum requirements and how to develop a fair price. Cost is $75. “Are you a good negotiator?” is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday, April 28, at the Greene County MU Extension office. Attendees will learn fair and reasonable pricing and cost analysis; negotiation steps, styles and techniques; preparation; bargaining tips; and much more. These sessions will include a real-life contract negotiation exercise. Cost is $75. Register by calling MO PTAC at 573-8828058 or by email at moptac@missouri.edu.
SOCIAL MEDIA REPORT CARD FOR THE MONTH Southwest Region News Service: Social Media and Traditional Media Report Online reads of the "Reaching Out Report" Monthly Avg= 156 2016 Cumulative = 917 TV or Radio Shows this Total news releases written this month= 42 Month Regular columns written this month= 12 2 Southwest Region News Service Monthly Impact (2016) New subscribers Total subscribers 56 8865 YouTUBE Subscribers 2016 499 TWITTER Followers 2016 134 FLICKR Followers 2016 64 Facebook Followers managed pages = 76490 2016 Annual Cumulative Facebook Reach = SWRN Blog Monthly views 3229
Total '16 views on 744,660 Monthly views 4,941 2016 Activity 832 Monthly Views 435 Monthly Reach 116,370 961,678 2016 Annual Views 12,916
Open Rate of News Emails 19.50% Total Views of all time 402126 Requests for advisement 18 Total Views of all time 216,179 Total 2016 Impressions = 1,822,313
I encourage county extension councils to provide content to MUExtension417 Twitter and Facebook pages and to have clients follow those regional options. I also schedule social media posts. All media releases are posted to AgEbb and social media by me using Hootsuite. KLOUT rating is a national measure of our social media effectiveness.
Online at http://extension.missouri.edu
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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report
Last Updated March 24, 2016
Civic Communication Specialist & County Program Director
Extension Council Honors Three The Greene County Extension Council for Greene County held its annual meeting on Monday, Feb. 29 and recognized three community members with the prestigious “Honor Roll Award” which recognizes individuals who have made a longterm commitment to the betterment of MU Extension programs locally. Ben Fuqua of Springfield has guided students at Missouri State University for over 30 years, as a professor of soil science and advisor. Fuqua has been a strong cooperator with MU Extension programs in southwest Missouri, lending his expertise and experience to joint projects like the Missouri Small Fruit Conference, the Missouri Blueberry School, and programs at the MU Southwest Center. “Cooperation between our institutions has never been an issue in our region,” said Pat Byers, horticulture specialist with MU Extension, who nominated Fuqua. Parish Witt serves as coordinator for the Greene County 4-H Shooting Sports Program and is a state instructor for shooting sports. Although his son has aged out of 4-H, Witt continues in his volunteer role and is extremely passionate about helping youth achieve confidence and skills through the shooting sports program. “Parish assists with training new 4-H volunteers in shooting sports and also serves as a coach for state shooting sports teams from time to time,” said Karla Deaver, 4-H youth development specialist with MU Extension. Ryan Squibb is publisher of the Lawrence County Record, Ash Grove Commonwealth and Republic Monitor. “Among area media owners, Squibb has done a great deal to help get MU Extension resources to the public and information about Greene County Extension programs to his readers,” said David Burton, civic communication specialist with MU Extension and the nominator of Squibb. The evening’s guest speakers were 4-H members Lora Wright and A.B. Burkhart, who discussed how 4-H involvement has helped each of them become leaders. The meeting featured a potluck dinner, comments from Bob Belote about the unique partnership between SpringfieldGreene County Parks and Greene County Extension, and the oath of office for the new Extension Council members conducted by Greene County Clerk Shane Schoeller. Online at http://extension.missouri.edu
Ben Fuqua (left) and Pat Byers.
Parish Witt (left) and Karla Deaver
Ryan Squibb (left) and David Burton
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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report
Last Updated March 24, 2016
Civic Communication Specialist & County Program Director
Help the Greene County Extension Council reach its fundraising goal of $10,000. https://giveozarks.org/2016/greene-county-extension-council
Online at http://extension.missouri.edu
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Greene County “Reaching Out� Report
Last Updated March 24, 2016
Agriculture Two Greene County Events Draw Large Numbers to Ag Programs During March Tim Schnakenberg, the University of Missouri
Tim Schnakenberg included a section in the training on application timing to avoid harm to pollinators.
Online at http://extension.missouri.edu
Extension agronomy specialist that serves Greene County, conducted two agriculture programs during March that drew large numbers of attendees. A Private Pesticide Applicator Training was held on March 16 and had 45 in attendance. The three hour program addressed important information on applying pesticides, including how to product pollinators during the Tim process. Maggie Black and DaSchnakenberg vid Burton assisted with the planning of the event which included a fee to cover the cost of materials used as part of the program. On March 29, Greene County Extension held its 93rd Ag Production Conference in cooperation with the Soil and Water Conservation District. Thanks to SWCD and several other sponsors, the event was free and a meal was provided. Nearly 100 county residents attended the program this year and learned about topics that were locally relevant. To sponsor a future agriculture event in Greene County, contact the local office.
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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report
Last Updated March 24, 2016
Human Development Specialist
Programs that Can be Offered by Wardlow Stay Strong, Stay Healthy Cost-$25/person Missouri’s Stay Strong, Stay Healthy (SSH) program is designed to increase aging adults’ access to a safe, structured, and effective strength training program. Over the 10 weeks, participants learn exercises to improve their strength, flexibility and balance. At each session, a prescribed set of 8 upper and lower body strengthening exercises are done along with warm-up and cool-down stretches. Participants are made to feel comfortable regardless of their current fitness level so they can safely participate and gradually build the strength beneficial to health.
Building Strong Families Cost-$10/person University of Missouri Extension’s Building Strong Families Program for child care providers. Helps individuals find their strengths, build on those strengths, and learn skills to improve relationships and increase communication.
Building Better Child Care Cost-$15/person/session Missouri’s Building Better Child Care Program improves child care quality via research-based educational workshops that focus on developmentally- appropriate strategies for getting along with children and arranging learning environments.
Basic Parenting Cost-$10/person The goal of Basic Parenting is to nurture in parents the capacity to engage in mindful parenting and decision making in six areas: care for self, understand, nurture, guide, motivate, and advocate. Our goal is Renette Wardlow to create a program Human Development that is responsive to wardlowr@missouri.edu the neediest audience while simultaneously providing value to any parent regardless of educational level or degree of child rearing difficulty. Basic Parenting is simple because it deals with fundamentals. Simplicity can have a powerful elegance that makes a lifetime impression.
A Matter of Balance Cost-$25/person A Matter of Balance is a holistic program focused on preventing falls among adults and seniors. Missouri’s population is aging. Citizens have identified aging and living independently as priorities for educational programming. The University of Missouri Health Sciences and research states that falls are the most common reason for adult emergency room visits. If falls can be prevented, adults can save thousands of dollars in healthcare expenses.
Tackling the Tough Skills Cost-$20/person Tackling the Tough Skills is a program on building life skills. The curriculum includes sections on attitude, responsibility, communication, decision making and problem solving and preparing for the workplace.
To learn more about this program or others impacting children and families, contact Human Development Specialist Renette Wardlow at (417) 881-8909 or by email at wardlowr@missouri.edu.
Online at http://extension.missouri.edu
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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report
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Human Development Specialist
Program Quality Assessment The purpose of the School-Age Program Quality Assessment (School-Age PQA) is to evaluate the quality of children’s programs and identify staff training needs. It consists of a set of score-able standards for best practices in afterschool programs., community organizations, schools, summer programs and other places where children have fun, work, and learn with adults. The School-Age PQA is designed to empower people and organizations to envision optimal quality programming for children by providing a shared language for practice and decision-making and by producing scores that can be used for comparison and assessment of progress over time. The School-Age PQA measures the quality of children’s experiences and promotes the creation of environments that tap the most important resource available to any childserving organization.: a young person’s motivation to engage critically with the world. Several assessments have been conducted in southwest Missouri over the past several months. The
Online at http://extension.missouri.edu
trained specialist (like Renette Wardlow) spends 2.5 – 3 hours at the school conducting a thorough assessment of the school’s after school program. The collected data is then typed into the data base and the information is shared with Renette Wardlow the school to help them improve their PQA scores and overall program. School-Age assessments I have conducted include: Buffalo Middle School –Buffalo Ava Middle School - Ava Ava High School – Ava Greene County Youth AcademySpringfield Boys and Girls Club-Webb City Schofield Elementary – Republic McCulloh Elementary – Republic Hollister High School- Hollister
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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report
Last Updated March 24, 2016
Horticulture Specialist Community Contact: TV and Radio 5 live interviews with KOLR10’s John Ziegler (2 delivered by Kelly McGowan) Interview with KY3 reporter Ashley Reynolds KY3 Ask an Expert Panel (3/15/16) Print media Contributed to several articles and interviews Requests for information Telephone contacts – 21 for advisement Email contacts – 19 contacts Office visits, professional contacts – 2 for consultation and advisement Farm site visits – 3 for consultation
Programs Presented:
“Backyard Chickens”, Spring Lawn and Garden Show seminar series, Springfield (2.26.16) “Home Fruit Production”, Wickmann Gardens seminar, Monett (2.27.16) “Johnson Grass Management”, Springfield CU seminar, Springfield (3.1.16) “Growing Tomatoes”, Springfield Library Station program, Springfield (3.7.16) “Tomato Pest Management”, Springfield Library Station program, Springfield (3.14.16) “Elderberry Production”, SE Missouri Farmers Market Meeting, Jackson (3.10.16) Seed Starting Workshop, Learning Farm project, Rocky Comfort (3.11.16)
Apple Grafting Workshop, Carthage (3.12.16) “Plant Propagation”, Springfield Catholic HS gardening class guest lecture, Springfield (3.14.16) Apple Grafting Workshop, Millsap Farm KRAFT class, Springfield (3.16.16) Patrick Byers “Food Safety from Horticulture Farm to Fork” workbyerspl@missouri.edu shop, Springfield (3.17.16) Apple Grafting Workshop, Ava (3.19.16) “Food Safety from Farm to Fork”, Growing Farmers workshop, Branson (3.21.16) “Produce Farming”, Growing Farmers workshop, Branson (3.21.16) “Queen Rearing”, Advanced beekeeping class, West Plains (3.23.16)
Coordinated:
Master Gardeners of Greene County board meeting, Springfield (2.29.16) Master Gardeners of Greene County chapter meeting, Springfield (3.8.16) Master Gardeners of Greene County Hotline Development meeting, Springfield (3.21.16) 2016 Master Gardener Core Training, Springfield (3.1.16, 3.3.16, 3.8.16, 3.10.16, 3.15.16, 3.17.16, 3.22.16, 3.24.16) Horticulture soil test reports - recommendations and distribution for SW region – 132 reports during reporting period
Participated in:
Grafting: “Participants at the Millsap Farm apple grafting workshop.” Online at http://extension.missouri.edu
Participated in mentoring activities for Ben Polley, extension intern, Douglas County Greene County Soil and Water Conservation District board meeting, Springfield (3.8.16)
Upcoming programming and events 2016 Master Gardener Core Trainings, Springfield (3.29.16, 3.31.16, 4.5.16)
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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report
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Housing and Urban Development Specialist
Fruit Tree Pruning, Seymour (3.29.16) “Vegetable Grafting”, MSU vegetable production class guest lecture, Springfield (3.29.16) “Food Safety from Farm to Fork”, Seymour (4.1.16) “FMO Community Gardening” Presentation, Springfield (4.2.16) “Trees for Small Gardens”, MGGC Potting Shed University, Springfield (4.4.16) “Home Fruit Production”, Jasper County MG core training, Carthage (4.5.16) “Home Fruit Production”, Cedar County MG core training, Stockton (4.6.16) QueenRearing: :Patrick Byers assists queen rearing “Herbaceous Ornamentals”, Jasper workshop participants in identifying honeybee eggs.” County MG core training, Carthage (4.7.16) 4.25.16) “Home Fruit Production”, Barry County MG Blackberry Production workshop, SWREC, core training, Cassville (4.13.16) Mount Vernon (4.20.16) Grow Your Farm class, Hollister (4.18.16,
Housing and Urban Development Specialist Workshops in Greenfield April 12 Addresses Energy Conservation and Solar Options Investing in energy conservation is currently one of the best returns on a person’s money. Taking advantage of the sun as an energy source can also be a smart move for many homeowners, farmers, and businesses. Any person wanting to learn more about these opportunities is invited to attend the “Energy Conservation and Solar Energy Workshop,” scheduled for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday, April 12 at the Dade County Extension Center, 2 N. Main St. in Greenfield, Missouri. The cost of each workshop is $30 per household or $40 per household for both workshops. Each household will receive one energy efficiency kit valued at almost $50, along with resource materials valued at over $25. Pre-registration is required by Wednesday, April 6. To register contact the Dade County Extension Center at 417-637-2112.
Jeff Barber Housing and design barberj@missouri.edu
Jeff Barber is working with leaders in area communities and students at Drury to develop projects and visioning documents that improve living and expand economic options. Information about his work can be found on the Greene County Extension website or contact him at (417) 881-8909 or barberj@missouri.edu. Online at http://extension.missouri.edu
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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report
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Master Naturalists Patrick Byers is this the MU Extension contact for the Springfield Plateau Master Naturalists.
Springfield Plateau Master Naturalists chapter meeting, Springfield (3.21.16) Springfield Plateau Master Naturalists board meeting, Springfield (3.9.16)
Save the date! The 2016 Missouri Environmental Education Association annual conference will be Nov. 5. This is a great opportunity for Advanced Training for Master Naturalists. The conference will be held in Springfield at the Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanial Greene Park. Please visit the website below for details: http://meea.org/conferences/2016/conference2016.html
Online at http://extension.missouri.edu
The Missouri Master Naturalist Program results from a partnership created in 2004 between the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and MU Extension (MUE). The Missouri Master Naturalist Program is recognized as a named program within MU Extension. The MU School of Natural Resources is the academic home for the Program. See www.springfieldmasternaturalist.com or springfieldmn.blogspot.com/
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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report
Last Updated March 24, 2016
Master Gardeners of Greene County
19th Master Gardener Plant Sale is April 30 at the Botanical Center The 19th annual Master Gardener Plant Sale in Greene County will start at 7:30 a.m., Saturday, April 30, at the Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center located in Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Parks, 2400 S. Scenic, Springfield, Mo. Members of the Master Gardeners of Greene County gather plants to sell from their own gardens -- and from the two city gardens that Master Gardeners maintain in Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park and at the Xeriscape on South National – at this sale. “The quality is excellent, and the prices are real bargains. Those factors have made this annual event very popular among area gardeners,” said Patrick Byers, a horticulture specialist with University of Missouri Extension. People are advised to arrive early if they want the best choices of shrubs, small trees, perennials, grasses, ground covers, houseplants, vegetables, herbs and much more. The sale continues until the plants are sold out. “We continue to try and have something new every year," said Catherine Banks, chair of this year’s Plant Sale Committee. “This year, we have expanded our seed growing capability. Many of our Master Gardener Chapter members have greenhouses and love to grow from seed. We have around ten different types of tomatoes planted so far, about eight different types of peppers and multiple types of herbs. We dug, divided and potted some of our gardens last autumn, and those plants are coming up and looking great. This spring we’ll begin to divide plants in our Demonstration and Xeriscape Gardens.” Master Gardeners will be on site to assist with purchases and answer questions. Cash, checks, and credit or debit cards are accepted. The fundraiser helps the Master Gardeners of Greene County maintain the public demonstration gardens and serve the public by
Online at http://extension.missouri.edu
providing quality lawn and garden programs as volunteers of University of Missouri Extension. Last year, members in the Master Gardeners of Greene County chapter gave more than 23,000 hours in volunteer service. More information and a partial list of the plants for sale is available online Kelly McGowan at www.mggreene.org/ Horticulture Educator plantsale or call the Master mcgowank@missouri.edu Gardeners of Greene County Hotline at 417- 874-2963.
Friends of Greene County Extension Campaign Ongoing Members of “Friends of Greene County Extension” contribute financially to make it possible for Extension to continue having a positive impact on the quality of life in Greene County. Learn how to help by calling (417) 881-8909 or going to http://extension.missouri.edu/greene
The Master Gardener Program is a popular and successful statewide volunteer community-service organization administered through University of Missouri Extension. The organization’s goal is to train gardeners who are willing to share their knowledge with others. Master Gardeners become volunteers of University of Missouri Extension and donate hours for community educational projects in horticulture. Volunteer activities include working with non-profit organizations, maintaining community gardens, conducting workshops, participating in a Master Gardener speakers’ bureau and staffing the Master Gardener “Hotline.” The Master Gardeners of Greene County can boast of over 275 members. For more information visit the chapter website at http://www.mggreene.org.
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4-H Report for Greene County
Greene County 4-H’ers Attend State Conference to Develop Leadership For 11-13 year olds, a big trip away from home can involve bravery from youth and parents alike. 4-H members from Greene, Lawrence and Dade counties were among the 333 people attending the annual Missouri 4H Teen Conference, March 12-13, at the University of Missouri in Columbia. The delegates, hailing from 58 Missouri counties, attended workshops on the MU Campus to connect with other youth, build service learning experience, and master innovative new skills. Attending from Greene County were Stephanie Gannon and Ashley Suter of Highmark 4-H and State 4-H Council member Lora Wright. Activities included creating musical instruments from recycled materials, learning about other cultures, and assembling hygiene packages for homeless citizens. Delegates also learned about honey bees and their importance to Missouri agriculture, through a hands-on 4-H Ag Innovators Experience created by a collaboration of National 4-H Council and the Monsanto Company. Teen Conference is planned and led by the State 4-H Council, a group of older teens elected annually by their peers, working in partnership with MU Extension faculty advisors. “4-H offers young people experiential learning opportunities that includes interaction with teen role models, citizenship, and lifelong learning,” said Karla Deaver, 4-H Youth Development Specialist in Lawrence County for MU Extension, “and Teen Con-
Greene County left to right: Stephanie Gannon, Ashley Suter, and State 4-H Council member Lora Wright
ference delegates often find themselves wanting to become role models as well.”
More About 4-H As the largest out-of-school youth organization in the world, 4-H is open to all boys and girls, ages 5 to18. Children who are five to seven years old are eligible for 4-H Clover Kids, an introductory program. Youths who are 8 to 18 years of age can select from a variety of 4-H projects and activities that stress social and life skills in areas like decision making, communication, social interaction, civic responsibility and physical skills. Children do not have to live on a farm to join 4-H. Project opportunities include computers, robotics, foods and nutrition, horticulture, large and small animals and more. Missouri 4-H is University of Missouri Extension's youth development program. Learn more online.
Contact 4-H Youth Development Specialist Karla Deaver at the Lawrence County Extension office by telephone at 417/466-3102 or by email at deaverk@missouri.edu.
Online at http://extension.missouri.edu
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4-H Report for Greene County
Time to Get Youth Enrolled for the annual Dairy Cow Camp held in Springfield Youth (ages 8-18) that are interested in learning about the dairy industry will want to register for annual 4-H Dairy Cow Camp in Springfield, scheduled for May 25-27. Campers work in pairs under the direction of adults and take part in workshops to learn about judging dairy animals, dairy management, animal care ethics and showmanship. Persons working in the dairy industry visit with campers about careers in the dairy industry as well. Participants at the 2016 cow camp will also be certified in the Show-Me Quality Assurance program. The primary goal of the program is to increase the knowledge and awareness of Missouri youth about food quality issues related to animal production. A judging contest and showmanship compe-
tition provide the culmination for the camp. 4-H Dairy Cow Camp is a cooperative program between University of Missouri Extension and a number of industry sponsors, including Robthom Dairy, Dairy Farmers of America, Southwest Dairy Farmers, Sancrest Specialized Transport, MFA, Missouri Brown Swiss Association, Missouri Dairy Association, Missouri Holstein Association, Missouri Guernsey Breeders Association, Missouri Jersey Breeders Association, Missouri Junior Holstein Association, Land O’Lakes/Purina, Hiland Dairy, So-Mo, Inc., S & H Farm Supply, John Underwood, Robert and Janice Perry, D Bar J Livestock LLC, Paul Mueller Company, Monsanto Company, FCS Financial and the Missouri 4-H Foundation. The registration brochure and health form can be found and downloaded online at http:// extension.missouri.edu/lawrence. For more information about cow camp, contact Karla Deaver at the Lawrence County Extension Center in Mt. Vernon, (417) 466-3102.
Contact 4-H Youth Development Specialist Karla Deaver at the Lawrence County Extension office by telephone at 417/466-3102 or by email at deaverk@missouri.edu.
Online at http://extension.missouri.edu
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Nutrition and Food Policy Voices for Food Project: Pam is the state coordinator of Voices for Food, which is a federally funded six-state research project, focused on improving Community Food Security. Work during March included: establishment of over one dozen community and school gardens; ongoing implementation of Community Food System plans; implementation of supplementary grant funded supportive programs; two farmer/producer workshops; multiple nutrition education classes; and receipt of grant dollars for local Food Pantries. This project focuses on working with communities to develop and implement sustainable solutions to increase availability and access to healthy foods.
Local Food Presentations, Projects and Education: Pam participated in four Food Policy Council meetings in March; presented one local Food presentation; participated in three grant funded community food projects; participated in the Springfield Local Food Access Team meeting; attended three Local Food System planning meetings, participated in a State-wide Food System two -day meeting.
During the past month, planning meetings and assessments have taken place.
Local Nutrition and Community Programs: Pam works with Pam Duitsman communities to deNutrition Specialist velop healthy school duitsmanp@missouri.edu and community policies and environments that support access to healthy food and opportunities for physical activity through the MU Extension program Healthy Lifestyle Initiatives (HLI). The committees work to create positive environmental changes and impact lifelong health. In addition to planning meetings, this month a 5-K community family fun run was held.
Ozark Regional Food Policy Council: The Executive Council has been meeting biweekly to focus on building sustainability and structure for ongoing work. Members continue to support many community efforts and Community Food System projects.
Pam’s additional work and outcomes for Greene County in March:
Local Food Access Webinars — 1 Individual consultation to individuals/farms/ businesses/organizations — 18
Stock Healthy Shop Healthy: The MU Extension Family Nutrition Education Program, Springfield/Greene County Health Department, and the Greene County Extension Office have entered into a contractual agreement to provide this program in Downtown Springfield. Contact Nutrition and Health Education Specialist Dr. Pam Duitsman at (417) 881-8909 or by email at duitsmanp@missouri.edu.
Online at http://extension.missouri.edu
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Can I Help?
Get Social with Greene County Extension
Maggie Black can help customers with material needs, soil tests and program registrations. Contact her at the Greene County Extension Center or email her direct at blackmag@missouri.edu. Maggie Black Office Manager Maggie Black joined Greene County Extension in 2015.
Extension Council Officers
Follow us on Facebook: GreeneCountyExtension Follow us on Twitter @MUExtension417 Follow us on YouTube: /MUExtension417
Corporate Sponsors
The following individuals are officers during 2016 Matthew Simpson, chairman Kip Thompson, vice-chairman Randy Bakerink, treasurer Morgan Ash, secretary See our website (http://extension.missouri.edu/greene) for a complete listing of council members.
Sanford, Lea and Associates, CPA, Springfield, Mo.: (417) 886-2220, www.adifferentcpa.com
Direct Phone Lines for Extension Staff
Master Gardeners of Greene County: http://www.mggreene.org Greene County Commission, 933 N Robberson Ave., Springfield, MO 65802 http://www.greenecountymo.org/ Springfield-Greene County Park Board, Ph 417-864-1049, www.parkboard.org Greene County Soil and Water Conservation District, Ph.417-831-5246, http:// swcd.mo.gov/greene/index.html.
Greene County Extension Office located inside the Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, Mo. 65807 Tel: (417) 881-8909 greeneco@missouri.edu Office hours: Monday - Friday * 8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Maggie Black, Office Manager - 874-2953 David Burton, Civic Communication/CPD - 874-2954 Jeff Barber, Housing & Environ. Design -- 874-2955 Patrick Byers, Horticulture Specialist -- 874-2956 Dr. Pam Duitsman, Nutrition Specialist -- 874-2957 Kelly McGowan, Horticulture Educator -- 874-2965 Renette Wardlow, Human Development -- 874-2966 Martha Wood, nutrition associate -- 874-2959 Master Gardeners Lawn/Gardening Hotline -- 874-2963 The Family Nutrition Education Program-417-886-2059
Extension/Partner Meetings
County Commission meetings: 1st and 3rd Mondays of month; confirm agenda and meeting at http:// www.greenecountymo.org/commission. Commission building, Springfield, at 9:30 a.m. Park Board Meetings: Second Friday of each month, 8:30 a.m. Call 864-1049 to confirm. 4-H Leader’s Council Meetings: 3rd Thursday of the month (except July),7 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 2852 S Dayton Ave, Springfield. Greene County 4-H Foundation: meets 3rd Thursday of each month at Panera Bread on Battlefield (across from the Mall) starting at 6 p.m. Master Gardeners of Greene County—board meeting: First Monday of each month at 4:30 p.m. at the Botanical Center. Master Naturalists Board Meetings: The board meets at 5:30 p.m. at the MDC regional office, on the second Wednesday of the month. Greene County Farm Bureau — Second Monday of the month at Farm Bureau 2530 S Campbell Ave, Springfield. Starts at 7:30 p.m.
Online at http://extension.missouri.edu/greene
Greene County “Reaching Out” Report
Last Updated March 24, 2016
Nutrition and Food Policy Donors during 2016 These donors have already contributed to “Friends of Greene County Extension” during 2016. Ann Hall Joan C. Young Ellen Chiles FCS Financial S&H Farm and Home
Help Us Exceed our 2016 Give Ozarks Goal by Providing Matching Dollars
Ash Grove MFA Old Missouri Bank Sanford, Lea and Associates Master Gardeners of Greene County George Deatz
2016 Donations to Friends of Greene County Extension Cash = $ 7,135
Additional information available online
#GiveOzarks is May 3, 2016
Checks are being accepted at the Greene County Extension office for the Give Ozarks campaign but must be received by April 29 and be made out to the Community Foundation of the Ozarks. That part is important because we can use these early donations for “matching funds” during Give Ozarks. Greene County Extension Council is participating in the second Give Ozarks 24-hour online day of giving on May 3, 2016. Greene County Extension volunteers and staff will be working to raise online donations from midnight to midnight on May 3 at www.giveozarks.org/2016/ greene-county-extension in support programs that will take place in the county. “Our goal of the Give Ozarks campaign is $10,000,” said David Burton, county program director for Greene County Extension.
Online at http://extension.missouri.edu/greene