December 2017

“Reaching Out Report” the Greene County Extension Newsletter

2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, Mo. 65807 Email: greeneco@missouri.edu * Tel: (417) 881-8909

December 2017 *

Vol. 10, Issue 12

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Each month read updates and reports on these University of Missouri Extension programs in Greene County:  Nutrition  Community and Human Development  Horticulture  Agriculture  4-H Youth  Local Foods Each “Reaching Out Report” is used by Greene County Extension specialists to concisely communicate activities, impacts and events to members of the Greene County Extension Council, Greene County Commission and Greene County residents.

Hotline Volunteers Excel —Page 9

LOCAL EVENTS

See program lists and calendars inside this newsletter for a glimpse of what is coming up.

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Become a subscriber and receive a monthly email with the direct link for reading the “Reaching Out Report” online. Subscribe on our website.

Media Training for Missouri Judges —Page 7

University of Missouri Extension is an equal opportunity/ access/ affirmative action/ pro-disabled and veteran employer.

Greene County “Reaching Out� Report

Last Updated November 24, 2017

Great Game of Business for Government/Non-Profits Program Notes: 2018 Extension Council Budget For 2018, the Greene County Extension Council is asking the County Commission to cover our office personnel costs. Our office manager (and a 3-hour a month bookkeeper and a temp worker for two weeks) are necessary to have operational office hours. This does require a $3,000 increase to cover medical insurance costs that are no longer subsidized. Our total request is for $47,000 but in the post-script you will see a note about our future request.

The extension council will use funds raised privately and fees to fund local extension programs.

We do anticipate that our private giving will be down again this coming year. We are proposing a unique mix of private giving, fees and county support. You will find this is a unique funding strategy. I know of no other Missouri county extension office that funds operations this way.

The Extension Council would like to discuss the possibility of $8,000 in August and $16,000 in the 2019 budget to fund a full-time 4-H youth educator position to grow 4-H in partnership with MU Extension. This request is for one-half of the cost of the position and the only way we can add the position. The focus would be on rural county clubs and a Zone 1 club.

DRIVERS FOR 2017 Actual Soil tests 339 Total Paid Registrations 1162 Total Donors 93

Financials for October 2017 Every year has financial surprises but the beauty of our scorecard is that our goals are built around both increasing income and decreasing expenses. That means items on both sides of the ledger are watched very closely. Student fees have been up this year but projections for next year are uncertain on this point.

Although we lost $6,000 in gifts at the start of 2017, we have found new donors this year with plans to grow in 2018. Program support continues to decline and will again in 2018.

Goal 400 750 80

Pert 84% 155% 116%

2016 378 744 68

INCOME

2015 332 660 102 Budget #

YTD #s

2014 306

541 115 DIFF

Student Fees

$24,639.38

$22,000.00

-$2,639.38

County Appropriations

$44,000.00

$44,000.00

$0.00

Gifts/Grants/Contracts

$12,772.49

$16,000.00

$3,227.51

Resales/Fees/Soil Tests

$10,062.76

$11,000.00

$937.24

Program Support Fund

$5,755.44

$7,350.00

$1,594.56

TOTAL INCOME

$97,230.07

EXPENSES

$100,350.00

Budget #

YTD #s

$3,119.93

DIFF

Personnel Wages/Benefits

$38,968.30

$42,000.00

$16,765.73

Travel for county programs

$7,394.01

$8,000.00

$605.99

Office operations

$6,471.14

$8,550.00

$3,931.57

Marketing & Printing

$12,046.69

$15,700.00

$3,653.31

Supplies/Services

$12,941.84

$13,500.00

$558.16

Extension Council

$204.00

$600.00

$395.65

$4,000.00

$0.00

Endowment Fee Generation to MU TOTAL EXPENSES NET INCOME

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

$

$9,206.94

$12,000.00

$2,793.06

$91,232.92

$100,350.00

$9,117.08

5,997.15

$

-

-$5,997.15

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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated November 24, 2017

Extension Council Election

Council Election Candidate Biographies

A public election will be held January 16-20, 2017. Citizens of voting age in Greene County can vote and elect eight new members to the University of Missouri Extension Council for Greene County. Full candidate bios can be found at http://extension.missouri.edu/greene. (Bios shown here are abbreviated.) An online ballot will be available starting Jan. 16 on the Greene County Extension website or can be picked up at the offices of Greene County Extension.

LARRY ADAMS, Rogersville, Mo. – Earned an accounting degree from University of Missouri in 1990. Has worked as Corporate Controller for Mahaffey Enterprises since 1997. Has been a member of Greater Ozarks Chapter of the Mizzou Alumni Association since 1994 and has served as chapter treasurer and on the golf tournament committee.

MORGAN ASH, Springfield, Mo. – During my first term on the council, I have learned more about my graduate school alma mater’s extension service and its friendly professionals.

As a county resident and as an educational partner with my employer, Habitat for Humanity of Springfield, I would be honored to be reelected to a second term. I have served the council as secretary for two years.

DAVID BYRD, Brookline, Mo. – A retired professor of accounting at MSU. Holds degrees from University of MO-Columbia, MSU and University of Arkansas. Currently pastures cattle and horses at farms near Battlefield, Mo. GREG BOEHNE, Springfield, Mo. – Greg is the owner of Boehne Financial Group. Greg and his wife met at University of Missouri – Columbia. They have been married for 25 years and have two sons (the oldest now attends Mizzou). Greg is involved with the University of Missouri as a Jefferson Club trustee and on the College of Education Advancement Board.

JOSEPH P. CRIM, Springfield, Mo. – I was employed by AT&T for 42 years, 20 years as a technician and over 22 as an engineer/manager.

I have a bachelor’s in management and human resources from Southern Nazarene University Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

in Bethany, Oklah. I have served one term on council and was chairperson in 2017.

O’BRIEN ST JAMES DANIELS, Springfield, Mo. — I am the owner and operator of OSD LLC, a Concierge service established in March 2017. Native to Springfield, my family and I relocated to Kansas City in 1998 until returning to this area recently. Being a mother, professional, and resident of this county I feel I would be a great addition to the University of Missouri Extension Council and look forward in serving my community.

KAREN DOWDY, Willard, Mo. – I currently work for the City of Springfield, Department of Workforce Development, at the Missouri Job Center, where I serve as a Compliance Coordinator and member of the Leadership Team. I am also a member of MU Extension’s inaugural EXCCEL Leadership Class program.

ANN HALL, Springfield, Mo. – I grew up in Springfield. I hosted the College of Cooking on KTTS-TV for several years and spent 23 years as an employee of City Utilities of Springfield. I stay active as a Master Gardener. I am running to for my second term on the council.

BRANDON HEBBERT, Springfield, Mo. — I am the fertilizer plant manager for MFA in Ozark and the MFA Precision Agronomy Specialist for the Springfield, Ozark, Marshfield and Ash Grove stores. I have been with MFA since 2013. I have a bachelors in agronomy from Missouri State University and would be honored to serve.

Page 3

Greene County “Reaching Out” Report DAVID JOHSON, Springfield, Mo. -- My bachelor’s is in biopsychology, which is a combination of zoology, ecology and animal behavior. My masters and PhD are in public administration and public safety. I have spent over 30 years in government and public safety.

I have been an educator for 17 years.

SAMUAL SNIDER, Willard, Mo. – I have been a resident of Greene County for 17 years.

I have served as an Alderman in Willard for 2 years, as Chairman of the Willard Planning and Zoning Commission and as a member of the Willard Economic Development Task Force. I am a personal banker for Commerce Bank.

CHRIS SCHULZE, Springfield, Mo. – I am a registered nurse serving as administrative director of the Center for Research and Innovation at Cox Health. I hold undergraduate degrees in psychology and in nursing and master’s degrees in health administration and health informatics from the University of Missouri - Columbia. I'm interested in working

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

Last Updated November 24, 2017 on the extension council to support the mission of bringing the benefits of a research university to Missourians.

RICHARD STENBERG, Willard, Mo. — A University of Missouri graduate with a bachelors and masters degree in forestry.

Relocated to Michigan in 1986 and worked as a Nursery Manager for Armintrouts Nursery and as a Plant Industry Field Scientist for the Michigan Department of Agriculture. In 2004, relocated and took a position with Edward Jones in Willard as a Financial Advisor. Because of this and my experience with horticulture and forestry, I would be honored to serve on the council

Election is Jan. 15-19, 2018

Vote online (extension.missouri.edu/greene) or visit the Greene County Extension Center for a paper ballot. There are eight seats with two-year terms open, one seat with a 1 year term, and two nominated seats.

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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated November 24, 2017

Programs for 2018

2018 Programming



Planning is underway for programming in 2018. At least point we know there will be some staff changes in the middle of the year. We do have plans for some new programs but that will be dependent on sponsorships, grants or student scholarship efforts which will be emphasized this year.

Some of our planning programing for the year includes the following.

MARCH  Private Pesticide Application Training in Springfield (sponsorship eligible/40 attendance)  95th Annual Agriculture Production Conference with Greene County Soil and Water Conservation District – Springfield (sponsorship eligible/100 attendance / meal included)

JANUARY  Potting Shed University (sessions in spring and summer) held at the Botanical Center  KOMA Cattle Conference – Springfield Livestock Center (already funded) FEBRUARY  Master Gardener Core Training, - February to April (Kelly McGowan) – sponsorship eligible/50 attendance for 10 sessions)  Spring Forage Conference – February in Springfield

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

Ozarks Press Association Annual Meeting

APRIL  Spring crop tour – Greene County (sponsorship eligible/50 attendance / meal included)  Native Plants for the Home Landscape – Springfield (sponsorship eligible/30 attendance) Stay Strong, Stay Healthy – (grant funded series of programs at area senior centers)  Start of “Community Betterment Fairs” in Ash Grove, Willard and Republic

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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated November 24, 2017

Agriculture Natural Resources Engineering Specialist Serves Greene County in a Variety of Unique Ways Report from Bob Schultheis

While not group programs, I did provide answers to Greene County individuals on the following topics in November.  Sinkhole risk to home (from a realtor)  Pond repair  Computer technology  REAP grant energy audit (https:// reap.missouri.edu/)  House insulation options  Tractor rollover smartphone app  Home heating system troubleshooting On Oct. 31, I recorded several tractor safety video segments with Mike Wiles, who used to sell tractors in Greene County and now runs a website (http://asktractormike.com/) and YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

tractormike) from Ozark. These videos will appear on his channel over the next several months.

On Nov. 21, I did a 30-minute live interview on KWTO radio discussing no-cost/lowcost energy conservation tips that cost less than $100 and will reduce home utility bills by at least 25 percent. Their broadcast reaches large parts of Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas and Oklahoma and generated several phone calls from homeowners seeking more technical information.

Robert A. (Bob) Schultheis Natural Resource Engineering Specialist Headquarter in Webster County, Marshfield Phone: 417-859-2044 Email: SchultheisR@missouri.edu

Page 6

Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated November 24, 2017

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Media Training for Missouri Court Judges David Burton, civic communication specialist with University of Missouri Extension, presented a program on “Working with the Media” on Aug. 22 at Lodge of the Four Seasons and Nov. 14 at the Marriott in Kansas City as part of the “Judicial College” for Missouri judges. There were 170 total participants, and the media presentation received a very high rating from attendees. All participants received a copy of Burton’s book, “Newswriting for the Non-Journalist” for attending the class.

One attorney wrote in his evaluation: “This is a topic that is important to my business, but I’ve never given it much consideration. David cut through the junk and gave me some pointers that I can immediately put to use. Great

Social Media Scoreboard Followers of Facebook pages I administer

83,102

presentation. And short!”

Other feedback received on the presentation from a feedback survey was as follows:  Content was relevant/useful: 87% agreed  Mr. Burton was David Burton knowledgeable Civic communication about the subject: burtond@missouri.edu 97% agreed  Mr. Burton was engaging and kept my interest: 87% agreed  The speaker’s use of visuals was effective: 91% agreed  The materials distributed were pertinent and useful: 97% agreed  This session met my expectations: 87% agreed, 13% were neutral The biggest criticism expressed was that a majority of judges would have preferred a two-hour session on the topic instead of just one hour.

Greene County Extension Facebook followers

The goal of the training was to get judges to use the media to educate the public about the workings of courts and the legal system. That is important because people do not trust what they do not understand and numerous research studies prove that Americans do not understand local courts or the judicial process.

Followers of @MUExtension417 on Twitter

Program Calendar Online

Weekly average “views” on Facebook pages.

98,722 1,339 182

MUExtension417 is on YouTube also

505,793 views 706 Subscribers

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.

David Burton’s focus of work as civic communication specialist: Community engagement thr ough communication and media relations, leading and moderating focus groups, non-profit education, social media in support of disaster recovery, marketing extension regionally, heritage tourism; and engaging council members with media relations efforts like the Southwest Region News Service.

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

Page 7

Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated November 24, 2017

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Is Willard Ready?

Dealing with Existing and Emerging Infrastructure Needs is Key

By Tyler Gunlock EXCCEL team member It doesn’t take a viewing of the movie Mad Max to know that water is important.

How cities deal with the challenges that water and waste pose can play a large role in creating a boon or a drag on growth. Recent years in Willard have brought these difficult issues to the forefront, and no easy fixes have surfaced that would please everyone.

We haven’t found a way around these facts: (1) water infrastructure must be paid for, and (2) a healthy and productive local economy cannot happen without it.

With the imminent widening of Highway 160, big things are on the horizon in Willard, and investment will follow this highway expansion regardless of how warmly it is welcomed. The community is an unquestionably attractive place with close proximity to Springfield, great schools, affordable living, and a lot of space to grow. Willard could be on the cusp of a real success story.

For that to happen though, tough decisions will have to be made by its officials and residents to show that it can handle existing and emerging infrastructure needs to fully seize this moment.

After some challenging years, the question now is if community leaders can hit the restart button and garner enough support to make the best use of this opportunity. Is Willard ready to grow?

Newsletter question of the month: What movie does Tyler Gunlock reference in his Excel editorial? Be the first to email correct answer to burtond@missouri.edu to win a dining gift card.

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

Excel SWOT for Republic, Mo. STRENGTHS  Community Focus  City Administrator/ City Staff  Distance to Springfield  Diversity Of Industry  Comprehensive Plan  City Mission & Vision  City & School Partnership/Communication  Community Involvement With School  Community Engagement City / Police  City – New Approach  School Vision: Focus Community Priorities  High State Rating For School District  School Collaboration  Restructured School District

OPPORTUNITIES  Vote With Shopping Dollars  Signal Light Improvements  City Investments In Main Street  Stronger Chamber  New Housing/Lots  Faster Development Process

 

Citizens Police Academy Capacity / Growth Of School District 2 -3% Growth

THREATS  Fire Dept. Short Staffed  Police Lower Pay Than Other Close Cities (Pay Scale)  Online Business  Transportation  Lowest 10% Of Students Cause Highest % Of Problems  Reputation – These Are Changing  Speeding Tickets  Business Friendly  High Utilities WEAKNESSES  Bedroom town  Demographics  Downtown  Variety Of Housing  Available Housing Lots  Communication With Public (PIO)

EXCCEL: “Why I care enough to be involved in my community” “Community extends itself from my front doorstep to my workplace and stops between. I feel safe and welcome in this extended community. I want others to feel that too.” - Erin Gray, MLIS "Caring about my community is a part of life.

Everyone should take a turn volunteering. Right now is a good time for me to pitch in and help in some way." -- Dana Guerra, EXCCEL team member for 2017-2018

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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated November 24, 2017

Horticulture Educator and Master Gardeners Master Gardeners in Greene County Answer over 900 Questions on Hotline in 2017 When you have blackspot on your tomato plants and bugs on your roses, who are you going to call? During the 2017 growing season, over 900 individuals facing similar issues decided to call the Master Gardeners Hotline for answers.

The gardening hotline is located inside the Springfield Botanical Center. Trained volunteers in University of Missouri Extension’s Master Gardeners of Greene County program operate the hotline room. During 2017, the volunteers answered over 900 gardening questions.

Those 905 calls came in from 26 different counties from around the state of Missouri.

The total number of calls for the year was down when compared to past years. In 2011, the hotline received 1612 calls. During 2016, the hotline received 1111 calls. The lowest number of calls came in 2015 with 769.

Detailed hotline records since 2011 show that 5352 of the total 7952 phone calls received at the hotline have come from residents of Greene County.

“Weather and pest events have an impact on the total number of calls received,” said Kelly McGowan, horticulture educator with MU Extension and chapter coordinator. “For example, a late killing freeze around Easter one year generated lots of calls from concerned gardeners.”

The hotline closed this week for the season according to volunteer hotline coordinator Lisa Bakerink. Glenn Blake, also a volunteer with the program, ran several reports showing the tremendous impact of the hotline program.

According to the caller database maintained by volunteers, the most common questions this year included plant and tree identification, disease and insect issues, weed issues, vegetable and flower gardening, and

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

just about everything in between.

“Extension provides monthly training for the hotline volunteers on common topics or concerns that may be coming up in addition to their regular Master Gardener training,” said McGowan.

Even though the hotline just closed for the season, phone and email messages will still be answered Kelly McGowan Horticulture Educator on a weekly basis through mcgowank@missouri.edu early March.

The Master Gardeners

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 boasts of over 275 members. For more information visit the chapter website at http://www.mggreene.org.

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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated November 24, 2017

Horticulture Educator and Master Gardeners of Greene County operate the gardening hotline MarchOctober of each year at the Springfield Botanical Gardens, 2400 S. Scenic Ave. in Springfield. Members of the public with gardening questions can take advantage of this free service by calling 417-874-2963 or emailing pictures and questions to hotline@mggreene.org.

There is no charge for this service which is provided by the Master Gardeners of Greene County and the Greene County MU Extension Council.

“Master Gardeners in Greene County are one of the few chapters in the state to host a hotline,” said McGowan.

The Master Gardener Hotline is a designated representative of the SpringfieldGreene County Botanical Center with the Sentinel Plant Network, a USDA-sponsored collaboration of the American Public Gar-

dens Association and National Plant Diagnostic Network.

The Hotline is one of three core projects of the Master Gardeners of Greene County chapter. The other two are demonstration gardens at the Springfield Botanical Gardens and the Waterwise Garden (formally known as the Xeriscape Garden) on National Avenue south of Sunshine Street.

Donating to Greene County Extension is as Easy As: 1. Donate online at extension.missouri.edu/greene by mail or in person.

2. Stay connected with

Greene County Extension on social media, by email and/ or in service as a volunteer.

3. Enjoy making a difference in the lives of 45,000 county residents annually.

Helping Greene County Extension Do More, Reach More, Be More!

University of Missouri Extension in Greene County

Located inside the Botanical Center at 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, Mo. 65807 Tel: (417) 881-8909 | Email: greeneco@missouri.edu | Online at http://extension.missouri.edu/greene

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

Page 10

Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated November 24, 2017

Horticulture Specialist Community Contact:  Telephone contacts – 18 for advisement  Email contacts – 22 contacts  Office visits, professional contacts – 2 for consultation and advisement  Farm site visits – 2 for advisement Programs Presented:  “FSMA Update”, New Foods Conference, Springfield (11.2.17)  “10 Steps to Scaling Up”, New Foods Conference, Springfield (11.2.17)  “Winter Management of Blackberry”, Winter Blackberry Workshop, Mount Vernon (11.15.17)  “2017 Blackberry Project in Review”, Winter Blackberry Workshop, Mount Vernon (11.15.17) Coordinated:  Springfield Plateau Master Naturalist chapter meeting, Springfield (10.20.17)  StrikeForce project activities – developing high tunnel and beginning farmer workshop curriculum, developing brochures and publicity, workshops  Blackberry research study activities – primocane training, final fall pruning, preparing the trellis for winter  Garlic research study activities – planning for 2018, planting final fall treatment  Horticulture soil test reports - recommendations and distribution for SW region – 32 reports during reporting period Participated in:   



High Tunnel Construction Workshop, Miller (11.6.17) Ozark and the Missouri Main Street Program, Ozark (11.7.17) Greene County Soil and Water Conservation District board meeting, Springfield (11.14.17) Hoophouses for Health program teleconfer-





ence (11.14.17) NALP reaccreditation meeting for AGR-TLM program, Ozarks Technical Community College, Springfield (11.14.17) Farmer-Chef Speed Dating workshop planning meeting, Patrick Byers Springfield Horticulture (11.20.17) byerspl@missouri.edu

Space for Rent

The Botanical Center offers meeting space for social gatherings and business functions. Contact us for your needs!

Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene Close Memorial Park.

417-891-1515 | www.botanicalcenter.org

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/

To learn more about local commercial horticulture programs, contact Horticulture Development Specialist Patrick Byers at (417) 859-2044 in Webster County or email at byerspl@missouri.edu.

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

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Nutrition and Food Policy Feel Better Now/Chronic Disease Self-Management Program

New Food Conference

Pam has taught 17 classes in Springfield so far in 2017, with 160 participants. More classes are scheduled for 2017. Smith Glynn Callaway Clinic in Springfield is the site for Greene County, and classes take place on Monday mornings from 9:3012. The cost of this series is covered by a grant from CDC, and participants learn: techniques to deal with problems such as frustration, fatigue, pain and isolation; appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength, flexibility, and endurance; appropriate use of medications; communicating effectively with health professionals; nutrition; and how to evaluate new treatments.

Outcomes of this class include:  Improvement of health outcomes and reduction of health care utilization  Decreased activity limitations and depression  Improved communication with health care provider  Improvements in quality of life, fatigue and sleep problems  Improvements in pain and shortness of breath  A significant improvement in ER visits and hospitalization

This two-day conference was held in Springfield to provide education for producers and resource organizations, and introduce a developing food hub Pam Duitsman in the Springfield Nutrition Specialist duitsmanp@missouri.edu area. Participants learned how developing our local food system builds our local economy, how food hubs work, how food hubs benefit producers and buyers, food safety education for producers, financing options and opportunities, presentations from successful producers who have scaled up, and key considerations for scaling up.

Feel Better Now with Diabetes – A Self-Management Program This is a six-week series of classes. MU Extension, the Regional Arthritis Center, and CoxHealth are collaborating to offer this effective self-management education program for people with diabetes. Participants learn ways to selfmanage diabetes and take back control over their health while meeting in a safe social environment where they can connect with others going through similar life situations. Those who take care of a loved one with diabetes are also welcome.

Participants learn how to: manage symptoms of diabetes; communicate effectively with your health care team; plan menus; keep your blood sugar in check; and get more out of life. To register for future classes, call 417-888-6787.

Local Food and Nutrition and Health Presentations/Meetings Pam has presented two Local Food/Nutrition and Health presentations this month, participated in three local food system planning meetings, and four Community Coalition meetings.

Indirect/Consultation Pam has offered consultation to 28 Greene County individuals/farms/businesses/ organizations this month.

Regional Farm to School

MU Extension faculty member Dr. Amy Patillo began work on a Regional Farm to School grant in September 2017. Pam is assisting with the project. The overall goal of the project is to connect Missouri farmers and schools in order to Continued on page 13

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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Greene County “Reaching Out� Report

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Family Nutrition Education Program Becky Roark

Nutrition Program Associate

Family Nutrition Education Program

2160 W. Chesterfield Blvd. Suite F200 Chesterfield Village, Springfield, Mo. Tel: 417-886-2059 * http://missourifamilies.org

Sherri Hull

Nutrition Program Associate

Marty Wood

Nutrition Program Associate

Jennifer Nevatt

Family Nutrition Program Manager, Southwest Region Nevatt

"Reading the Nutrition Facts Label" Program in Springfield Nov. 27 During Extension Council Meeting This program offers research-based information related to nutrition. It is a FREE program presented at the Greene County Extension Council Meeting on Monday, Nov. 27 at the Springfield Botanical Center. The meeting begins at noon (lunch available for $5) and after council conducts some business, the presentation begins at 12:30.

This presentation will explore how to read nutrition fact labels to help you make better nutritional choices. Learn something new with this program offered by University of Missouri Extension Family Nutrition Education Program Nutrition Educators Marty Wood, Becky Roark and Sherri Hull.

Full agenda for Extension Council meeting using the "council packet" link on this webpage: http://extension.missouri.edu/ greene/plansreports.aspx

Roark

Hull

Wood

Continued from PAM DUITSMAN

provide schools with locally grown agricultural products to serve in school meals and snacks.

Research shows this strengthens local economies, supports farmers, and enhance education for school age kids through hands-on learning activities related to food, health, agriculture and nutrition.

This grant project will be supporting work in Greene County for the next two years.

Dedication of the St. Patrick greenhouse at Springfield Catholic High School . Project involves FFA from Hollister High School too. MU Extension specialists Amy Patillo, Pam Duitsman and Jenni Nevatt are involved heavily with the project at both sites.

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

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4-H Youth

Recognition Night Photos

The county recognition event was held Saturday, Nov. 18. Thanks to Faith Lutheran Church, Greene County Teen Council and their advisors Sherry Kelley and Jessica Cobban for hosting. Highlights of the evening including lots of project medals and special recognition, our very first Heart of 4-H Award given to Twila Hollis, the Alumni Award given to Janice Perry and the Joe Fielden traveling High Point Livestock Trophy to highest point club showing livestock at the Greene County Fair, the Lucky 11 club . Find photos posted online on the Greene County 4-H Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/greenecountymo4h.

Robotics Fun with 4-H U.S. Cellular Store Manager Nathan Piper shows Greene County 4-H Club students Kodi Burdick and Kaitlyn Darling how to build a fitness-tracking device as part of the National 4-H Council’s National Youth Science Day on Oct. 3. The event was held at the Botanical Center in Springfield Several other U.S. Cellular associates also volunteered as part of the company’s commitment to STEM education.

More About 4-H

Contact 4-H Youth Development Specialist Karla Deaver at Lawrence County Extension by telephone at 417/466-3102 or email at deaverk@missouri.edu.

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

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.

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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated November 24, 2017

Office Manager them “like his hair was on fire” to the agents home! He said it was a LOT of hard work, education, support and friendship with extenI spent 20 minutes with the sweetest old sion agents over severman who was here very early the first of al decades that helped November and was waiting on me when I make his father’s farm opened the office. He came in to get hay grow within just 10 and other publications. As I searched for years to be one of the and printed his publications, he regaled me biggest producers in with stories of his experiences with MU northwest Missouri. for Maggie Black Extension over the years. over 40 years. Sadly Office Manager He is from north Missouri but said he for them in the mid blackmag@missouri.edu can never catch someone in his extension 70’s larger commercial Joined Spring 2015 office. He tracked us down for some help. farms were more meThen he started talking of when he was a chanically advanced with few labor costs and “lad and young man” his family’s involveexpenses. They kept the land but slowly cut ment extension gents. He said his father back to a small working farm he, his son, was a 4th generation fishing boat captain grandson and 15yr old great-grandson manage. who came here from New England shortly The last 25 or more years they have turned 2/3 after he lost his boat and 15 of his 18 crew of their farm back to prairie. in a storm, five of which were his brothers.

He had high praise for extension and the His father struggled because he didn’t have education we bring to the comthe first clue about farming.

He had high praise munity. He believes they would He told a story of the have packed up and moved first time his dad fertilized a for extension and the back to New England if that field. His first year he had not insisted on them thought he was going to education we bring to banker going to the agents home that “revolutionize” farming and very afternoon. From that day, the community. couldn’t understand why for many years, an agent would someone hadn’t thought of be at their farm almost weekly encouraging such a simple thing before. He heavily and teaching them about their new life as “fertilized” the rows with manure by applyfarmers. The agents wife even taught his mom ing a very thick layer of manure on top of how to sew, preserve food and castrate cattle! the soil and not mix it in. Then he planted Now that’s full service. directly into the manure thinking if that was He really made my week. Once again, this what made plants grow then why not just is why I love my job! Great people, great stoforget soil and plant seed directly into the ries and a great amount of appreciation for manure and he would have massive healthy what we do. I love when someone makes a plants. He thought he was a genius the first point to tell us how we have touched their three weeks. family’s life. Makes me even prouder to be a When nothing grew, he and his father part of our extension family when we affect went to see his banker, who had become a our community is such a personal and positive friend of the family, after church one Sunway. We really are changing lives through edday. The friend didn’t just tell him about ucation and encouragement. extension, he grabbed his hat and drove

Early Morning Encounter at Office Proves the Worth of MU Extension Programs

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu/greene

Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated November 24, 2017

Community Connections Direct Phone Lines for Extension Staff Maggie Black, Office Manager - 874-2953 David Burton, Civic Communication/CPD - 874-2954 Jeff Barber, Housing & Environ. Design -- 874-2955 Dr. Pam Duitsman, Nutrition Specialist -- 874-2957 Kelly McGowan, Horticulture Educator -- 874-2965 Renette Wardlow, Human Development -- 874-2966 Master Gardeners Hotline -- 874-2963 Family Nutrition Education Program-417-886-2059

Extension Council Officers    

Joe Crim, chair Jason Whitesell, vice-chair Lisa Bakerink, treasurer Morgan Ash, secretary

Our Major Sponsors Greene County Commission 933 N. Robberson Ave., Springfield, MO http://www.greenecountymo.org/

Springfield-Greene County Park Board Ph 417-864-1049, www.parkboard.org Greene County Soil & Water Conservation District Ph.417-831-5246 http://swcd.mo.gov/greene/index.html Greene County Farm Bureau

Greene County Extension

Office located inside the SpringfieldGreene 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.

Find event photos, news and program announcements on the Greene County Extension Council Facebook page facebook.com/ GreeneCountyExtension facebook.com/MUExtension417

Sharing Via Twitter Follow us on Twitter at @MUExtension417 or #MUExtension417

Extension Partner Meetings st

County Commission Meetings: 1 and 3rd Mondays of month; confirm agenda at http://www.greenecountymo.org/commission.

Commission building, Springfield, at 9:30 a.m.

Park Board Meetings: Second Fr iday of each month, 8:30 a.m. Call 864-1049 to confirm.

4-H Leader’s Council Meetings: 3r d Thursday of month (except July),7 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Redeemer Lutheran, 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: Fir st Monday of each month at 4:30 p.m. at the Botanical Center.

Master Naturalists Board Meetings: 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.

Friends of the Garden — board meeting: 2nd Thur sday of the month at 5 p.m, large room, Springfield Botanical Center, 2400. S. Scenic Ave.

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu/greene