February 2017

“Reaching Out Report” the Greene County Extension Newsletter

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

February 2017 *

Vol. 10, Issue 2

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  Local Programs Each “Reaching Out Report” is used by Greene County Extension specialists to concisely communicate activities, contacts and events to members of the Greene County Extension Council, Greene County Commission and residents of Greene County. For more about this report contact David Burton, civic communication specialist, at (417) 881-8909.

Calving Workshop Has Record Crowd of 182 in Attendance —Page 3

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Our Financial Scorecard is updated each week as part of the Great Game —Page 2

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

Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated January 27, 2017

Great Game of Business for Government/Non-Profits

Income

2017

2017

2017

DEC

2016

YTD #s

Budget #

DIFF

2016

Actuals

2015

Monthly Actuals Goal

$2,553.00

$22,000.00 $22,000.00

$6,900.74 $22,340.93

$14,818.26

County Appropriations

$0.00

$44,000.00 $44,000.00

0 $38,250.00

$26,410.00

Gifts/Grants/Contracts

$2,530.00

$16,000.00 $15,000.00

$3,194.00 $22,371.83

$26,703.00

$2,000.00

$608.95

$11,000.00 $10,000.00

$1,903.23 $11,720.55

$10,759.44

$1,000.00

$6,035.00

0.00 $4,500.00

Student Fees

Resales/Fees/Soil Tests

$7,350.00

Program Support Fund

$7,350.00

$7,350.00

0

$2,080.00

Total Income

$13,041.95

$100.350.00 $98,350.00 $11,997.97

$96,763.31

$84,725.70

Expense

YTD #s

Budget #

Actuals

Actuals

Personnel Wages/Benefits Travel -programs in county Office operations

Supplies/Services/Repairs

Revenue Generation - MU Total Expense NET INCOME

$

Goal

$44,000.00 $43,000.00 $ 3,895.89 $37,012.66

$38,280.94

$3,775.00

$0.00

$6,054.02

$415.00

$8,000.00

$7,000.00 $

560.46

$6,270.49

$8,550.00

$5,650.00 $

342.62

$7,875.50

$6,711.97

$260.00

$1,157.62

$15,700.00 $15,100.00 $

312.96

$6,072.93

$4,079.71

$275.00

$346.24

$13,500.00 $13,100.00 $

636.25

$14,908.14

$12,062.37

$225.00

$82.67

$655.91

$1,100.00

$0.00

$0.00

Extension Council

Dec. 16

$3,918.84

$713.83

Marketing & Printing

DIFF

$1,500.00

$600.00

$600.00

$0.00

$12,000.00 $10,800.00

$904.00 $10,861.22

$8,804.70

$100.00

$6,136.53

$100,350.00 $98,350.00

$6,734.85 $83,656.85

$77,093.71

$5,050.00

$5,263.12 $13,106.46

$7,631.99

$5,400.00

2015 332 660 102

2014

6,905.42

$

-

-$7,350.00

DRIVERS FOR 2017 Actual Goal Pert Soil tests 22 400 5% Total Paid Registrations 202 750 29% Total Donors 4 80 5%

2016 378 744 68

306

541 115

The financial scorecard is for RECONCILED numbers for the month indicated in headline.

Great Game of Business “Higher Laws of Business” In The Great Game of Business, Jack Stack outlines his “Higher Laws of Business.”

Rule #2: It’ easy to stop one guy but it’s pretty hard to stop 100.

Great Game of Business Testimonial

Practicing the Great Game is like flicking a big switch that suddenly illuminates the financial landscape of a business for your staff; the transparency enables you to build accountability up and down your organization, engage and empower your people and deliver better results to the bottom line. — Ed Dorian, Dorian Drake International Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

Page 2

Greene County “Reaching Out� Report

Last Updated January 27, 2017

Agriculture

Busy months for ag programming Agriculture programming peaks during the cold winder months in the Ozarks. Shown here is Kelly McGowan working the MU Extension booth at Farm Fest (right).

The middle picture is Randy Mooney at the fall Grazing School which was, once again, sold out!

Shown below and on the cover are a few photos from our calving workshop held Jan. 16.

We actually had 182 people in attendance for the program which featured four speakers on topics related to healthy calving, calf nutrition, calf health and the best times to market cattle.

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

Sharing Via Twitter

We welcome your feedback, event pictures and comments about what you learned at an event on Twitter @MUExtension417 or #MUExtension417

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

Page 3

Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated January 27, 2017

Agriculture Ag Lenders Seminar Dec. 7, 2016

Fifty-four agricultural lenders and Farm Service Agency from; Barry, Barton, Christian, Dade, Greene, Jasper, Lawrence, McDonald, Newton and Webster counties attended the 2016 Ag Lender Seminar in Mt. Vernon, Missouri. Agriculture lenders come in contact with more people involved in agriculture than any other single commercial institution. Many times those working with the financial support of many operations can have a tremendous influence on the management behavior of the producers.

Research-based information is needed for lenders to make sound business decisions for their lending institutions. Lenders must consider many economic forces when making lending decisions and this seminar focuses on key issues affecting those decisions.

Topics taught and discussed were: Livestock and Crop Outlooks, Land Prices and Pasture rent, Sheep and Goat production, Ag Site Assessment Tool and Farm Stress Signals.

These programs were presented by Dr. Scott Brown, MU Ag Economist, Jennifer Lutes, Ag Business Specialist and Jim Spencer Jr., Ag. Business Specialist.

Each participant receives a book entitled “Missouri Farm Financial Outlook 2017.” The seminar booklet contains current articles on farm topics such as outlook, management and budgets for planning next year’s farm operations.

Evaluations indicate that the lenders thought the program was very valuable. The participants were asked to rate the program on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being very valuable. The lenders were asked the following question: “Overall, how do you rate this seminar?” The average rating was 8.5 out of 10.

Master Beekeeper Course in Springfield Feb. 18 “Introduction to Bees and Beekeeping” WHERE: Botanical Center, 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, Mo. WHEN: 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb. 18 COSTS: $61 per person for book and class REGISTER: Held at the Gr eene County MU Extension office, by telephone or online at http://extension.missouri.edu/greene TEACHER: Dan Cropper, certified beekeeper from West Plains, Mo. Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated January 27, 2017

Family Nutrition Education Program Becky Roark

Nutrition Program Associate   

 

Family Nutrition Education Program

Finished a session at Bingham and McGregor Elementary Schools with the lower grades Started a new session at Shady Dell Early Childhood Center for 135 Pre-K students Started a new session at Boyd Elementary School with 90 K—2nd graders, teaching our “Eating from the Garden” curriculum Adult classes at Madison and Fossett South Towers with Sherri—14 adults learned about eating less fat Well of Life Food Pantry—300 families

One thing we always try to teach in our classes is that trying new foods can be fun! Kids and adults need to be encouraged to not “taste with your eyeballs.” In other words, even if a food looks different, it still might taste good and you won’t know unless you try. This month a first grader at Bingham Elementary told me that her mom had made cabbage rolls for dinner one night. She was proud to let me know that she had tried the food without fussing and said, “It was good! I’m glad I tried it!” She also noted that after she was brave enough to try this new food to the family, the rest of the kids tried it also. Lesson learned!

Sherri Hull

Nutrition Program Associate      

Victory Mission Family Ministries – Discussion and Display about “Facts On Fats” – 171 Families Hovey House – Discussion using Healthy Change Workshops and various displays – 41 Adults Madison Towers (Spfd Housing Authority) – Eating Smart Being Active – 7 Adults South Towers (Spfd Housing Authority) – Eating Smart Being Active – 7 Adults Willard South Elementary – PK-4th grades – 437 Students Jeffries Elementary – K-2nd grades – 241 Students

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

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

Nevatt

Edmondson

Roark 

Hull

Williams

Wood

Campbell Small Wonders PreK – 30 Students

Jennifer Nevatt Program Manager

Planning for a busy 2017.

Marty Wood

Nutrition Program Associate       

Willard WIC, Eating Smart, Being Active, 21 adults Willard Food Pantry, Display, 20 families Pregnancy Care Center, Eating Smart, Being Active, 53 adults Crosslines, Display, 1188 families Hand Extended Food Pantry, Healthy Change Workshops, 48 adults People Helping People, Display, 19 adults Bright Stars Early Childhood Center, Let’s Read About Healthy Eating, 35 children

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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated January 27, 2017

Civic Communication Specialist & County Program Director Great Game of Business/Non-Profits

Media Reach

Our scorecard is updated each week on Tuesday afternoon as part of our staff huddle. That updated scorecard is immediately shared on social media and added to the website.

Based on my intensive media tracking, these numbers apply to the Southwest Region News Service for this month:  Traditional media views: 1.97 million  Facebook views I administer: 204,988  Wrote/edited 42 meDavid Burton dia releases and 14 Civic communication newspaper and maga- burtond@missouri.edu zine columns.  Adding a weekly column for newspaper in Neosho to go with the four I currently write.  Have had a create increase in followers on Greene County Extension social media and a spike in comments and shares too.

CPD Meetings and More 

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



I regularly attend meetings including the County Commission’s monthly meeting where I share this newsletter and report on our finances. I did the paperwork necessary to make our budget request with the County Commission.

This year, the Commission has approved our request for an $8,000 funding increase.

I participated in a number of meetings related to our Master Gardener program, its leadership and the future of the group.

Annual Report is completed and provided to the regional office on Jan. 31. The full report is available on our website. I have sent the report to the printer (CreateSpace) and it will be handed out at the annual meeting. New this year, we will run a portion of the annual report in the Commonwealth weekly newspaper in order to reach a larger audience.

Working on year-end financial reports.

Programming   



Co-organizer of calving workshop.

Co-organizer of Master Beekeeper class and also moderator of testing.

Beekeeping classes will continue in 2017 under my leadership. I am establishing dates for a Supervisory Leadership Series and two or three food preservation classes.

I am the instructor for our first Leadership Online for Today (online class) that kicks off Feb. 6. This is a new MU Extension program being offered statewide and the local office does benefit financially by me teaching.

Leadership Online for Today I am the Leadership Coach for MU Extension’s very first online leadership class known as Leadership Online for Today. The 11-session class will kick off on Feb. 6.

“Leadership Online For Today” is an interactive program that allows participants to improve communication skills, build relationships and networks, and develop a collaborative project to benefit a community or organization.

Strengths of the curriculum include convenience and flexibility to help meet the scheduling and learning needs of millennials. Although this class is online, participants build trust and develop a sense of community with other participants and the leadership coach as they interact online.

Greene County Extension gets a portion of the revenue from this program since I am serving as a leadership coach.

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

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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated January 27, 2017

Civic Communication Specialist & County Program Director Facebook Ad Campaign

Trying different things this year to great new audiences at an affordable price.

This includes some paid advertisement in print and also online. This month we spend $250 with Facebook to boost some posts and got the following results:  Calving Workshop: 4,730 Impressions, 171 Post Engagements  Master Beekeepers Class: 13,166 Impressions, 390 Post Engagements  Master Gardeners Core Training: 7,159 Impressions, 71 Post Engagements  Greene County Extension Council Election: 9365 Impressions, 245 Post Engagements, 189 Ballot Clicks

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

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Greene County “Reaching Out� Report

Last Updated January 27, 2017

Civic Communication Specialist & County Program Director Upcoming programs Master Gardener Core Training, Thur . Feb. 16, for new Master Gardeners will be from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, Feb. 16 to April 6 in Springfield. Most of the classes will be held at the Botanical Center, 2400 South Scenic, Springfield with a few of the classes being held at the Library Station in Springfield. The cost to attend the classes is $150 per person or $255 for couples sharing a textbook. Orientation will be held on 1/31/17 and 2/2/17. If interested contact Kelly McGowan, horticulture educator with MU Extension, at 8742965 or by email at mcgowank@missouri.edu 33rd Spring Forage Conference on Tues. Feb. 28 at University Plaza in Springfield. Visit www.springforageconference.com or call 417532-6305 ext. 101, for information. $35 charge if registering by Feb. 14. $45 if after Feb. 14.

Missouri Blueberry School, in Spr ingfield.

Contact the Greene County Extension Center 417 -881-8909, for more information and to register.

Greene County Private Pesticide Application Training, Wed. Mar . 15 fr om 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Botanical Center, 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield. Cost of the class is $18 for required book and class materials. To register call (417) 881 -8909, ext. 42953 or register online at http:// extension.missouri.edu/greene.

Jasper County Livestock and Forage Conference, Thur . Mar . 16 at 5:30 pm at the Car thage Water and Electric building. Cost $5, dinner included, RSVP to 417-358-2158 by 3/14 94th Annual Agriculture Production Conference and Greene County Soil and Water Conservation District Annual Meeting, Tues. Mar .

21 at 5:30. Will begin with a free dinner in the 2nd -floor banquet room at Springfield Livestock Marketing Center, 6821 West Independence (Exit 70 off of I-44), Springfield, Mo. Pre-registration is needed by March 17 to aid in meal planning. Registration may be done on the Greene County Extension website, by calling 417-881-8909.

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

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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated January 27, 2017

Whitesell Leads Candidates in Extension Council Election

Kent John (Springfield), a former director for Universal Co-op Automotive Division, received 94 votes.

Over 200 Greene County residents choose from 11 candidates to fill eight seats on the county’s University of Missouri Extension Council during a public election held Jan. 16-20, 2017.

Samantha Mosier (Willard), a professor at Missouri State who focuses on local environmental sustainability policies and US alternative/ sustainability food policies, earned 92 votes.

Eighty-eight percent of all ballots were cast online using an MU Extension designed system. The following eight persons were elected to seats which carry two-year terms.

Jim Garton (Springfield), who is a farmer, veteran and a Master Gardener, received 85 votes.

Jason Whitesell (Ash Grove), Vice-President for Old Missouri Bank and an agriculture lender, lead all candidates with 138 votes.

Tyler Gunlock (Ash Grove), a University of Missouri alum who is starting a farm of his own, collected 119 votes.

Lisa Bakerink (Springfield), Executive Director of Friends of the Garden, received 109 votes.

Tony Ahart (Springfield), who is a Master Gardener volunteer, collected 104 votes.

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

Peter Longley (Springfield), who is on staff at the Springfield Botanical Gardens, had 81 votes.

Candidates rounding out the list, but not collecting enough votes for a seat on the county, included Bobbi Ream (75), Catherine Banks (61) and Kathy Rapp (47).

Every county in Missouri has a publicly elected extension council.

Candidates will be sworn in to office at the extension annual meeting, Feb. 27.

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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated January 27, 2017

Horticulture Specialist Community Contact:

TV and Radio  1 live interviews with KOLR10’s John Ziegler Print media  Contributed to several articles and interviews Requests for information  Telephone contacts – 18 for advisement  Email contacts – 10 contacts  Office visits – 3 for consultation  Farm site visits – 1 for consultation









Programs Presented:   

“Stone Fruit Updates in the 2017 Midwest Fruit Spray Guide,” Great Plains Growers Conference, St Joseph (1.12.17) “Progress in Elderberry Research,” Great Plains Growers Conference, St Joseph (1.13.17) “Small Fruit Updates in the 2017 Midwest Fruit Spray Guide,” Great Plains Growers Conference, St Joseph (1.14.17)

Coordinated:      

Planning meeting with Ozarks Food Harvest farm production project (1.6.17) Wright County IDA gardening project site visits (1.7.17) Grow the Grower small ruminant workshop, Galena (1.9.17) Missouri Blueberry School planning committee meeting (1.10.17) Springfield Plateau Master Naturalists board meeting, Springfield (1.11.17) Horticulture soil test reports - recommendations and distribution for SW region – 9 reports during reporting period



     

“High Tunnel Winter Production of Greens,” Workshop, Hillsboro (2.4.17) “Starting the Spring/ Summer Vegetable Garden,” Library Station, (2.6.17) Apple pruning demo, Neosho (2.7.17) “Starting with High Tunnels,” Grow the Grower workshop, Patrick Byers Hollister (2.9.17) Horticulture “Advanced Seed Sav- byerspl@missouri.edu ing,” Heirloom Seed Library program, Midtown Library, Springfield (2.6.17) Winter Vegetable Production Conference, Joplin (2.13.17-2.14.17) “GAPS and FSMA Food Safety Training,” Fairview (2.15.17) “What is Horticulture/Plant Propagation,” 2017 Master Gardeners of Greene County core training, Springfield (2.16.17) “Opportunities for produce production,” Hispanic Outreach, Carthage (2.18.17) “All About Tomatoes,” Spring Lawn and Garden Show, Springfield (2.19.17) “GAPS and FSMA Food Safety Training,” Webb City (2.22.17)

Participated in:   

NABG Research Committee meeting (1.6.17) Planning meeting, Land Stewardship project, City of Springfield (1.10.17) Greene County Soil and Water Conservation District board meeting, Springfield (1/11/17)

Upcoming programming and events  

“Getting Started with Berry Production,” Grow the Grower workshop series, Galena (1.30.17) “Heirloom Seed Library,” Hillbilly Garden Club meeting, Springfield (2.1.17)

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 January 27, 2017

Horticulture Educator and Master Gardeners Media  1/12/17-KOLR 10 Live TV Spot-Fungus Gnats in Houseplants  1/19/17-Interview with 417 MagazineBradford Pear Trees  1/2/17-Ozarks Living Magazine articlePotting Shed University Individual Consultations  Phone Calls, office visits, farm/site visits, emails-15 Programs, Meetings, Activities and Professional Development  1/2/17-MGGC January Board Meeting  1/6/17-Ozarks Food Harvest Winter Vegetable Production Meeting  1/10/17-2017 Blueberry School Teleconference  1/10/17-MGGC January Chapter Meeting  1/12/17-Friends of the Garden 2017 Annual Meeting  1/17/17-‘Achieving the Extension Mission through Volunteers’ ISE  1/21/17-Butterfly House Planning Meeting for 2017 Season  1/17/17-Began Spring Semester Classes at MU for Graduate Degree in Natural Resources/Agroforestry -Seminar in Forestry -Research in Forestry -Assessment in Agr Education  1/26/17-8th Annual Agroforestry Symposium-Columbia, MO Presentations Made  1/11/17-Career Day Presentation at Kickapoo High School

Upcoming Programming  1/31/17-2017 Master Gardener Core Training Orientation  2/2/17-2017 Master Gardener Core Training Orientation  2/16/17-4/11/17-2017 MG Core Training

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

Fungus Gnats in Houseplants Pose No Harm, Easily Treated Fungus Gnats happen this time of year because plants are not growing and not taking up much water from the soil. That means Kelly McGowan the soil often stays wet for Horticulture Educator a longer period of time, mcgowank@missouri.edu which is a perfect environment for fungus gnats to live and reproduce.

Adult gnats do not fly well and normally stay close to the soil line of the plant. Gnats lay their eggs in the soil and the larvae hatch and feed on organisms in the soil Gnats won’t typically harm plants but heavy infestations of larvae can feed on plant roots.

Fungus gnats thrive in moist organic matter environments, such as rich, wet potting soil. For plants that can tolerate drier conditions, allow the soil to dry out between needed waterings. For plants that cannot tolerate dry conditions, repot with fresh potting soil. You can also treat the adults with insecticidal soap.

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 January 27, 2017

Horticulture Educator and Master Gardeners

Master Gardener Core Training Begins Feb. 16 in Greene County

Potting Shed University

University of Missouri Extension’s Master Gardener core training sessions in Greene County will be held Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., starting Feb. 16 and running through April 6. Most of the classes will be held at the Botanical Center, 2400 South Scenic, Springfield.

A total of 13 three-hour sessions taught by trained professionals and will cover horticulture principles and practices. Ornamentals, turf, vegetables, fruit crops and landscape design are some of the subjects covered through this course.

The cost to attend the classes is $150 per person or $255 for couples sharing a textbook. If interested in the training, contact Kelly McGowan, horticulture educator with MU Extension, at 874-2965 or by email at mcgowank@missouri.edu.

Master Gardeners become University of Missouri Extension volunteers and assist with horticulture education in the community. Thirty volunteer hours from participants are required the first year after training. Following that, 20 volunteer service hours and six continuing education hours are required each year to remain an active Master Gardener.

Individuals interested in becoming a Master Gardener in Greene County must also attend one of MU Extension’s mandatory orientation sessions at the Botanical Center.

Master Gardeners of Greene County are hosting seven diverse classes this spring as part of their annual Potting Shed University program.

Space is still available so get signed up!

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 Fr iday of each month, 8:30 a.m.

Call 864-1049 to confirm.

4-H Leader’s Council Meetings: 3r d Thur sday 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 3r d Thur sday 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: The boar d 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

Date/Time: Mondays, March 6 - April 24 | 6:007:00 p.m.

Location: SpringfieldGreene County Botanical Center, 2400 S Scenic, Springfield, MO 65807 Tel: 417-891-1515 ext 2 Cost: $5/per son per class | Pay at the Door registration starts at 5:30 March 6 – Composting made Simple – Melissa Sanford, Master Gardener of Greene County Join us as we discuss composting at home and how we can each make a difference in the waste we generate.

March 20 – Native Butterflies and Moths of MO - Kelly McGowan, Horticulture Educator, MU Extension Learn how to identify these creatures and things you can to do attract them to your yard.

March 27 – Garlic – Patrick Byers - MU Horticulture Specialist Choosing the right garlic strain, planting the crop, nurturing garlic, harvesting, and storing garlic for use.

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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated January 27, 2017

Housing and Urban Development Specialist Hazelwood Cemetery Project

Jeff Barber is working with students at Drury University this year to complete three major projects and one of them involves the Hazelwood Cemetery in Springfield.  The cemetery — located at 1642 E. Seminole, Springfield — is celebrating 150 years in October 2017.  Purchased in 1867, originally 80 acres; with 18 acres sold to Fed Government for the National Cemetery, and 2 acres sold to Temple of Israel for a Jewish Cemetery, northwest of Hazelwood.  Now at 60 acres, it is the largest city-owned cemetery in the state with over 44,000 grave spaces.

HERO Program Launching in Greene County, Nixa and Ozark to Finance Home Energy Improvements Innovative PACE financing program for energy and efficiency improvements enables homeowners to reduce energy bills by upgrading HVAC, windows and doors, going solar, and more Nearly 100,000 households in Greene County, along with 25,000 homeowners in the Christian County communities of Nixa and Ozark, now have access to an innovative form of home energy and efficiency financing, the HERO Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Program, which enables homeowners to make energy improvements and to pay for them over time through their property tax bills. HERO financing payments may have tax benefits, and many homeowners see immediate savings on energy bills by investing in efficiency or renewable energy upgrades.

HERO, which stands for Home Energy Renovation Opportunity, is the largest residential



In addition to maintaining the grounds, Public Grounds conducts lot sales and performs burial services for the cemetery.

In January, students will kick-off the CenJeff Barber ter for Community Housing and design Studies Project fobarberj@missouri.edu cused on Hazelwood Cemetery. Will promote the first public meeting/study session.

PACE program in the United States and has already helped tens of thousands of homeowners lower energy bills by replacing HVAC systems, upgrading windows and doors, adding insulation, going solar, and more.

By stimulating home renovation activity, the HERO Program increases demand for contractor services, creates clean-energy jobs and local economic growth. Since the program first launched in Jackson County in September, it has financed more than $2 million in energy and efficiency improvements across more than 150 Missouri homes. With the addition of Greene County and the cities of Nixa and Ozark in Christian County, one-third of all Missourians now have access to the HERO Program.

“Residential solar energy systems, especially when paired with energy efficiency upgrades, can save a homeowner energy and money,” said Caleb Arthur, Founder and CEO of Missouri Sun Solar. “Upfront costs can appear daunting, but PACE financing enables the energy savings to balance out the cost.”

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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4-H Report for Greene County Taken too soon: 4-H Volunteer Jill Morrison Dies in Car Accident Many local 4-H hearts are still aching as friends and family continue to mourn the death of Jill Morrison (41), a Willard-area wife and mother.

She died in December as the result of injuries sustained in a two-vehicle crash on Farm Road 104 about five miles southwest of Willard.

Jill was driving the Morrisons’ 11-year-old twins, Elijah and Claudia, home from Ash Grove Elementary School about 3 p.m. Thursday when an oncoming 2006 Dodge Caravan traveled across the center line and struck her 2008 Chevrolet HHR. The Missouri State Highway Patrol online report identifies the occupants of the other vehicle as Roscoe Choate, 46, of Nevada, Missouri, and Billie Howard, 38, of Walnut Grove.

Jill was airlifted to Mercy Hospital in Springfield, where she was pronounced deceased at 6:23 p.m. The children were taken by ambulance to Mercy, where they were treated for minor injuries and later released. All three were wearing seat belts.

The tragic news came as a terrible shock to friends and in the area. She graduated from Hilcrest High School and Missouri State. She met her husband Travis when the two were working at Happy Hollow Bible Camp near Strafford.

They were married in Springfield in 1999. Their twins were born Feb. 11, 2005. After the twins arrived, Jill became a full-time wife, mother and volunteer. Shortly after the twins were born, the Morrisons moved to a rural area north of Springfield. Although their address is Willard, the twins attended Ash Grove School.

Jill devoted herself to her family and her community, serving as a go-getter volunteer in their church, Water Mill Church of Christ, and also as PTA president at the twins’ school.

In addition to her many hours devoted to her family, her kids’ school and her family’s church, Jill also taught 4-H members how to sew. One of them, Ashton McMillen, said in a Facebook post that Jill, her 4H sewing teacher for several years, was “one of the kindest and most Godly people I was ever privileged to know.”

Ashton said Jill was her friend as well as her

teacher. “We talked about everything from music to books to funny things that happened at the last 4H meeting. I learned so much from her, and I will really miss her. Even though I know God has a plan in this, it seems so unfair right now,” Ashton wrote.

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 4H 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. Pr oject 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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Nutrition and Food Policy Mediterranean Diet is a Healthy, Delicious Way to Eat Along with the New Year’s resolutions to lose weight in 2017 came a wave of news reports about how the Mediterranean diet may protect brain health. A recent study, which investigated people over age 70, reported that those who followed a Mediterranean-style diet retained more of their brain volume.

“This is just one study, but it added to the significant amount of evidence that suggests the Mediterranean diet has many positive health effects, including a positive impact on brain health,” said Dr. Pam Duitsman, nutrition and health specialist with University of Missouri Extension.

What exactly is the Mediterranean diet?

The traditional Mediterranean diet is based on eating whole foods and is abundant in fiber, antioxidants and phytonutrients, vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids. It includes mainly fruits, vegetables, whole grains, olive oil, beans, seeds, nuts, herbs, and spices. This diet also incorporates moderate amounts of fish.

Traditionally, dairy products were consumed daily in small amounts, mainly as yogurt and cheese. Whole eggs are also included and are often used in whole grain baked goods.

Lean red meat is eaten only a few times a month in the Mediterranean diet.

“The Mediterranean diet is a good deal healthier than our typical processed modern diets. But the good news is, it’s a delicious way to eat and features foods that are not foreign to Americans,” said Duitsman.

Let’s Get Social

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Studies have recommended the Mediterranean diet for many possible health benefits including weight loss, and a lower incidence of degenerative diseases like heart disease, Alzheimer’s, canPam Duitsman cer and diabetes.

Nutrition Specialist The best part is duitsmanp@missouri.edu that the Mediterranean diet does not require radical restrictions of fats or carbs.

“This diet is balanced and healthy, and fairly easy to maintain on a long-term basis,” said Duitsman.

According to Duitsman, these are the basics of the Mediterranean food plan.

Eat: Fr uits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains, herbs, spices, fish, and extra virgin olive oil.

Eat in moderation: poultr y, eggs, cheese and yogurt.

Eat less: r ed meat.

Avoid: added sugar s, r efined and pr ocessed foods and refined oils.

Totally eliminate: tr ans fats (found mainly in partially hydrogenated oils and deep fried foods).

“Incorporating a healthy Mediterranean lifestyle also helps. It includes hanging out with positive people and getting lots of physical activity,” said Duitsman.

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.

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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Nutrition and Food Policy

Benefits of Fermented Foods Fermented foods have become very popular due to their purported health benefits. Has this hot food trend continued to grow due to hype, or is there real evidence of health benefits?

In recent years, we have a much greater understanding of microbes that inhabit our gut, and their relation to health and disease. These microbes in our body can help protect us from disease-causing bacteria, help break down fiber and carbohydrates to give us energy, make vitamin K and some B vitamins, and influence our health in a variety of ways. What we eat has a great impact on this complex microbial community. For example, probiotics contain helpful, viable bacteria that can assist our bodies in balancing our levels of beneficial microbes. Fermented foods can contain great numbers of probiotics, many of which can survive the journey through the digestive tract. Numerous research and clinical studies have investigated the positive impact probiotics and fermentation of foods have on human health.

Reported positive effects on human health range from helping restore normal gut microbiota

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

after taking antibiotics, to improvement of gastrointestinal disturbances such as constipation, diarrhea, and intestinal inflammatory conditions such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome. Evidence suggests that probiotics have positive impacts on inflammation, allergies and autoimmune disorders, and improve immune system function in the body as a whole. Probiotics have also been linked to improved brain function, mood, anxiety, hypertension, and even weight management.

“Before filling your grocery cart with fermented products, keep in mind that many fermented foods in jars or cans in the supermarket have been pasteurized, or cooked at high heat, which kills any probiotics. Look for naturally fermented vegetables in the refrigerated section of the grocer such as pickled cucumbers, beets, onions, sauerkraut, salsa and kimchi,” said Dr. Pam Duitsman, nutrition specialist with University of Missouri Extension.

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Human Development Specialist More Stay Strong, Stay Healthy

A second application has been completed and sent to the Senior Citizen’s tax services fund, board.

I hope to hear back from them soon. I have applied for just over $3000 to conduct three sixteen session Stay Strong, Stay Healthy classes. I will teach Advanced Stay Strong, Stay Healthy at the Republic Senior Center and teach the basic course in Rogersville and Strafford if funded.

I am currently teaching Advanced Stay Strong, Stay Healthy in Galena. Twelve senior citizens are participating in the course.

Boys and Girls Club Program Quality Assessments

Assessing after school programs continue. I have assessed five schools in the past couple of months.

Renette Wardlow More school Human Development assessment will take wardlowr@missouri.edu place in the next couple of months.

This program is also grant funded. The grant covers travel and other expenses associated with the program. This program is a joint project between the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and University Extension. Extension faculty from across the state are trained and certified to conduct the assessments.

Skill Up Program

One day each week will be dedicated to working with people who are receiving public assistance, including food stamps. I will be teaching groups of individuals to help them move into the workforce and reduce their need for public assistance. I will rotate to various counties around the region. This is a grant-funded program and the grant will cover 10% of my salary, travel expenses, and other expenses incurred. The program tentatively scheduled to begin in Feb. 2017.

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

To learn more about local programs 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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Office Management / Customer Service

True Tales in Customer Service January 19, 2017: I just got off the phone with an older lady. She just got a computer and wanted to have our webpage come up when she goes online since she uses our publications all the time. I spent 42 minutes (clocked it on the phone) helping her do it. She said she didn't have anyone to help her so I took the time. She was pleased as punch when we were done. She went offline and back on a few times to “make sure it stuck” and was good to go. She said she will kick in a bit more on her next donation in May (that’s when she said she does her donations) to cover the time she “wrestled” from me. I told her how much we appreciated it and her donations help us with programming. Very kind and sweet lady. I think I know who she is-she comes in on occasion for me to print publications for her. But it sure was neat to hear from an older person that is using our website.

A new monthly feature detailing examples of some of the “extra” things our office does for Greene County residents.

Extension Council Officers

Maggie Black

Office Manager blackmag@missouri.edu

Can I Help?

Contact her direct at blackmag@missouri.edu.

She joined Greene County Extension in the spring of 2015.

The following individuals are officers during 2016  Matthew Simpson, chairman  Kip Thompson, vice-chairman  Randy Bakerink, treasurer  Morgan Ash, secretary Direct Phone Lines for Extension Staff See our website (http:// extension.missouri.edu/greene) for a comMaggie Black, Office Manager - 874-2953 plete listing of council members.

David Burton, Civic Communication/CPD - 874-2954 Jeff Barber, Housing & Environ. Design -- 874-2955 Patrick Byers, Horticulture Specialist -- 874-2956 Greene County Extension Dr. Pam Duitsman, Nutrition Specialist -- 874-2957 Kelly McGowan, Horticulture Educator -- 874-2965 Office located inside the Renette Wardlow, Human Development -- 874-2966 Springfield-Greene County Master Gardeners Hotline -- 874-2963 Family Nutrition Education Program-417-886-2059 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.

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.

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