February 2015

“Reaching Out Report” the Greene County Extension Newsletter 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, Mo. 65807 Email: greeneco@missouri.edu * Tel: (417) 881-8909

February 2015 * Vol. 8, Issue 2

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Upcoming events … pages 2-3 Kelly McGowan … page 4 Master Gardeners ... pages 5-6 4-H Report … page 7 Pam Duitsman… page 8-9 Nutrition program… page 10 David Burton … pages 11-12 Jeff Barber page 12 County Budget page 13 Patrick Byers … pages 14-15 Friends of Extension... pages 16-17 Sponsors & Contact... page 18

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 greeneco@missouri.edu.

Healthy Lifestyle Initiative The third annual Student Iron Chef Competition was hosted by the Healthy Lifestyle Initiative (of which University of Missouri Extension is a part) at Nixa Schools. “The Battle of the Super Grilled Cheese” — an American classic mainstay sandwich – was taken to a new fun and healthy level by 18 teams, each vying for cash and other prizes. “The contest was a fun way to get people thinking in a different way about health and wellness. Each year the goal of this event is to inspire students to become connected to their food, acquire valuable lifetime culinary skills, encourage cooking with friends and family and learn to develop flavors in a different and healthy way,” said Dr. Pam Duitsman, a nutrition specialist with MU Extension. Over 80 children and 20 adults were involved with the Student Iron Chef event this year. Plans are already being made for the 2016 event.

University of Missouri Extension provides equal opportunity to all participants in extension programs and activities, and for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without discrimination on the basis of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated February 19, 2015

Selected Upcoming Extension Events in Greene County Potting Shed University 2015

Lawn and Garden Show 2015

Potting Shed University will last 12 weeks.

This series is presented by the Master Gardeners of Greene County and features 12 diverse garden topics for attendees to hone their skills and become a better gardener.

The Lawn & Garden Show at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds will be held Feb. 27, Feb. 28 and March 1. This show offers a series of seminars hosted and taught by Master Gardeners of Greene County. These classes are free to the public with their admission ticket.

Daytime classes are held Friday, Saturday and Sunday on a wide range of topics, like: Integrated Pest Management, Container Gardening, Raised Bed Gardening, Plant Selection, Soil Amendment and more. The Lawn & Garden Show continues to be a valuable tool for Master Gardeners to promote public awareness of the University of Missouri Extension as a source of unbiased, research based gardening information. Come by the Master Gardener's booth and enter to win a free prize. For more information on speakers go to our website: www.mggreene.org.

 

March 2– Perennials by Gail Wright March 9– Introduction to Home Winemaking

by Patrick Byers  March 16– All About Tomatoes by Kelly McGowan  March 23– Companion Planting by Mark Bernskoetter  March 30– Introduction to Herbs by Barb Emge  April 6– Planting a Water Garden by Pat Ware  April 13– Attracting Butterflies to your Garden by Linda Bower  April 20– Container Gardens, Dellene Nelson  April 27– Vertical Gardens, Rebecca Nichols No pre-registration necessary; all classes are $5, pay at the door and will be held in the Workshop Studio at the Botanical Center. For more information visit http://www.mggreene.org/

Master Gardener Plant Sale The Master Gardeners of Greene County will host the18th Annual Plant Sale, 7:30 a.m. to noon or until items sell out, Saturday, April 25 at the Botanical Center at Nathanael Greene/ Close Memorial Park, 2400 S. Scenic. Master Gardeners will be on site to assist with purchases and answer questions. Visit www.mggreene.org/plantsale to see updates, or call 881-8909, ext 320 for more information. Cash, checks or credit / debit cards accepted.

Give Ozarks Campaign May 5 The first “Give Ozarks” one-day online fundraising event will be held May 5. Donors will be able to contribute to the Greene County Extension endowment fund or gift fund online the day of the event as part of this oneday “online telethon.” For more information go to http://extension.missouri.edu/greene.

Business Development Classes Regular business classes are held at the Small Business Development and Technology Center, 405 North Jefferson Ave., Springfield.

Assorted dates and topics. Register by calling 417-836-5685 or check online www.ws.missouristate.edu/sbdc.

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.

Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated February 19, 2015

Selected Upcoming Extension Events in Greene County Spring Forage Conference Tuesday, March 3, 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM, University Plaza Hotel in Springfield. $35 conference fee.

Preregister by February 18. Call 417-831-5246, ext. 3 for information or visit the website at www.springforageconference.com.

Young Sprouts in the Garden Date: 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Saturday, May 16.

Location: Springfield Botanical Gardens Details: Event free and open to the public, weather permitting. Several area organizations team up to host dozens of free hands-on gardening activities that are educational for the children. This is a Master Gardener led event.

Missouri Blueberry School A nationally recognized opportunity to learn about growing blueberries is coming to southwest Missouri again in 2015. The Missouri Blueberry School will be held March 13-14 at the Missouri State University Darr Agricultural Center, located at 2401 S. Kansas Expressway, Springfield. Details at www.extension.missouri.edu/blueberry.

Private Pesticide Training This training is from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, March 6 at the Greene County Extension office located inside the Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center at 2400 S Scenic Avenue in Springfield. Participants will be required to purchase the reference manual and pay a materials fee for a total class fee of $18. Pre-registration is required by March 2. For more information or to pre-register, call Greene County Extension at 417-881-8909.

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

92nd Annual Greene County Soils and Crops Conference is March 16 at Livestock Center The 92nd Annual Greene County Soils and Crops Conference and SWCD Annual Meeting will begin with a free dinner at 5:45 p.m. Monday, March 16. The event will be held in the 2nd floor banquet room at Springfield Livestock Marketing Center, 6821 West Independence (Exit 70 off of I-44), Springfield, Mo. “This conference is designed to provide research-based information and options to area agriculture producers that can help them make more informed and profitable decisions,” said Tim Schnakenberg, agronomy specialist with University of Missouri Extension.

Program topics and speakers include: “Custom Grazing and Rental Agreements,” by Wesley Tucker, MU Extension agriculture business specialist; “Managing Forage Grazing Heights and Stockpiling for Winter Pasture,” by Mark Kennedy, grazing specialist, Missouri Forage and Grassland Council; and “Fine-tuning your Forage Fertility Program,” by Tim Schnakenberg, with MU Extension.

Program and cost-share updates will be given by staff with the Greene County NRCS, FSA, and the Soil and Water Conservation District.

Pre-registration is needed by March 11 to aid in meal planning.

Registration can be done one of three ways.

A registration brochure can be downloaded online at http://extension.missouri.edu/greene and returned by mail. Individuals can also call the Greene County Extension office at 417-8818909 or email greeneco@missouri.edu. Both phone and email messages need to include your name, mailing address with city and zip, telephone number and number attending.

Sponsors for this event include Greene County Soil & Water Conservation District, Old Missouri Bank, FCS Financial, Springfield Livestock Market, MFA in Ash Grove, Greene County Extension Council and the Greene County Commission.

Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated February 19, 2015

Master Gardeners of Greene County Member Spotlight: Lorri Winters When did you join Master Gardeners and why?

I joined in 2010 to better understand soil and also the plants that could withstand the heat, cold and drought of Missouri. I moved to Missouri in the fall of 2003 from Florida and soon realized this was a challenging place to grow anything.

Lorri Winters What kind of gardening background do you have? I grew up in rural Iowa and was put to work in the large family garden at an early age. I loved digging potatoes, picking green beans and eating tomatoes fresh off the vine.

As an adult I have enjoyed planting flowers and ornamental grasses.

What is your favorite thing about Master Gardeners of Greene County?

Members are always so willing to share the knowledge they have gained in their own gardens. I have learned so much from the time spent with my fellow gardeners.

What is one of your favorite growing tips that you would like to share?

Don’t get sentimental about your plants. If they are not thriving where you planted them, find them a new home and try something else.

What are a couple of your favorite plants?

‘Purple Fireworks’ fountain grass and pansies Anything else about yourself you would like to share? I think working in the garden and getting my hands dirty is fun - not work!

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

Upcoming Events March 2: Potting Shed UniversityPerennials by Gail Wright 6:30-7:30 pm March 7: Leadership Training for Volunteer Organizations 10am-noon March 9: PSUIntroduction to Home Wine Making by Patrick Kelly McGowan Byers 6:30-7:30 pm Horticulture Educator March 10: Monthly University of Missouri Chapter meeting 6-8:30 Extension pm mcgowank@missouri.edu March 16: PSU-All About Tomatoes by Kelly McGowan 6:30-7:30 pm March 23: PSU-Companion Planting by Mark Bernskoetter 6:30-7:30 pm All Potting Shed University classes are $5, pay at the door; no pre-registration necessary. All above events will be held at the Botanical Center located at 2400 S. Scenic in Springfield.

March 30: PSU-Introduction to Herbs by Barb Emge 6:30-7:30 pm

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.

Page 4

Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated February 19, 2015

Master Gardeners of Greene County

Leadership Training for Volunteer Organizations Master Gardeners of Greene County will sponsor a leadership training for leaders of volunteer organizations on March 7 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Botanical Center.

This training will consist of 2 sessions: one on communication styles and one on project management. The communication styles session will cover how to be effective in communicating with people who have different styles. The project management session will focus on developing action plans, timelines and resource plans.

The trainer for these sessions will be Mr. Bernie Dana, Business Dept. Chairman at Evangel University. Dana also spoke at the State Master Gardener Conference in Springfield in 2013. The fee is $15 per person. Make checks payable to Master Gardeners of Greene County.

This is open to all Master Gardener chapters, all volunteer organizations, and interested members of the public.

First Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Discovered in Greene County

University of Missouri Extension Horticulturists Kelly McGowan and Patrick Byers say the first reported Brown Marmorated Stink Bug in southwest Missouri has been confirmed and area farmers and homeowners should be aware.

On January 28, 2015, Karen McDonald, a member of the Master Gardeners of Greene County, found the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug in her home. MU Extension specialists sent the specimen to the Missouri Department of Agriculture where staff confirmed identification.

Until now, the closest Brown Marmorated Stink Bug that had been found and confirmed was in the St. Louis area.

The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug is an invasive species from Asia that probably made its way to the United States in shipping containers around 1998.

“The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug has a huge appetite for many different horticultural and agricultural crops,” said McGowan. “While other types of stink bugs favor just a few kinds of plants, the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug will eat almost any type Master Gardeners of Greene of fruit or vegetable. There are no County will offer the advanced natural predators for this insect in Master Gardener program in the U.S., so populations are in2015. This program allows Mascreasing.” ter Gardeners to continue their Another problem is that the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug education with in depth training overwinters in large groups in taught by qualified experts. homes and has a bad smell.

Participants will work toBrown Marmorated Stink wards getting 30 hours of adBugs are about a one-half inch vanced training classes and will long and a little larger than other have 5 years to do so. The trainstink bugs. They have white ings will cover a variety of horti- Display in the Master Garstripes on their antennae, faint cultural categories much like the dener’s Demonstration Gar- white bands on their legs and outer den near The Botanical Cen- edges of their abdomen have alterones offered in Core Training. ter on Feb. 18. nating white and dark markings.

Advanced Master Gardener Program

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

Page 5

Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated February 19, 2015

Master Gardeners of Greene County

Master Gardeners Donate to Success of Hickory Hills School Greenhouse

Hills and Holland Elementary – and as a volunteer on the master gardener hotline answering questions from members of the public.

“Kay Johnson leads a dedicated team of trained volunteers on the Hickory Hills project,” said Kelly McGowan, horticulture educator with University of Missouri Extension. “The Master Gardener board thought using some of the monies raised from the annual plant sale to support the Hickory Hills project was appropriate.”

Members of the Master Gardeners of Greene County have donated $1,000 to the Hickory Hills School Greenhouse according to chapter president Missy Sanford. “Five or more members of the master gardener chapter volunteer on a regular basis at the Hickory Hills School Greenhouse so we thought this was a worthwhile project,” said Sanford.

The donation will help pay for the purchase of professional greenhouse grow lights. The installed lights will make K-5 classes possible during the winter at Hickory Hills Elementary so students can now have longer projects.

According to Kay Johnson, the master gardener that leads the Hickory Hills project, the greenhouse project is giving students K-5 experience in growing a vegetable plant they get to take home and care for during the summer.

“It is usually a cherry tomato plant so Master Gardener Kay Johnson explains to students in Beth kids can go out and pick and eat from the Zeh’s class that they can bring home green bean plants in a plant. Sometimes they choose to plant a green bean for the summer,” said Johnson. month. Master Gardeners have donated $1,000 to purchase grow lights for the school’s greenhouse. (ozarksliving.com) “This is the first time some of these kids have ever seen vegetables grow. Now with the new lights we can grow things for the kids to eat in the cafeteria thru the fall, winter, and spring.”

As part of the raised beds already installed at Hickory Hills, students have seen how popcorn, peppers and other vegetables grow. They also learn how flowers draw insects, and watch butterflies feed and lay eggs that hatch into caterpillars that The Missouri Master Naturalist Program reeat leaves. sults from a partnership created in 2004 be“Each year we have about 400 students that tween the Missouri Department of Conservaparticipate in the greenhouse activities. I feel that it tion (MDC) and MU Extension (MUE). The will get more kids to eat more veggies if they have Missouri Master Naturalist Program is recoga hand in growing them,” said Johnson. nized as a named program within MU ExtenJohnson has invested hundreds of hours at the sion. The MU School of Natural Resources is Hickory Hills School. A Master Gardener since the academic home for the Program. See 2010, Johnson has a passion for native plants and www.springfieldmasternaturalist.com or landscapes. His work is evident throughout southspringfieldmn.blogspot.com/ west Missouri – including his efforts at Hickory

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

Page 6

Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated February 19, 2015

4-H Report for Greene County

In Their Own Words: What 4-H Members in Greene County are Learning (Part 2) The following quotes are taken directly from the 2014 4-H Report Forms submitted by Greene County members. In their own words, students share what they have learned during one year by being in 4-H. “This organization is something I want to continue to be a part of from a leader standpoint by someday being a leader of a club, and helping kids develop the skills I have now.”

“To me citizenship isn’t just about your rights and being a law abiding citizen, it’s more than that, much more.

It’s giving back to your community, and being an active part of it. 4-H has shown how to be a good citizen, and that’s to my standards.”

“Who knew that working with chickens could teach a teenager how to set goals, work hard, and then meet those goals? Goal setting and perseverance are skills that I will use for the rest of my life and will one day lead me to success!”

“I started gaining public speaking skills before I could even read. By the time I was eight, I could talk to new people, with little or no problem, and most importantly I could make and keep long lasting friendships by the time I hit grade school.”

“If I have learned anything from 4-H is that trying new things, branching out to new people, and stepping out of your comfort zone really makes you grow as an individual and discover things you never knew about yourself.”

“4-H has given me many skills, like friends and great confidence in my ability to survive in this world and make it better. Skills like responsibility, public speaking and leadership have allowed me to go above and beyond in all my other activities because I had a good foundation in 4-H at a young age.”

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.

March 7 Showing of “Marshall the Miracle Dog” Benefits 4-H, Shines Light on Bully Prevention Marshall has chosen Missouri, his home state, for a sneak peak of his new movie, Marshall the Miracle Dog, on March 7-8.

Marshall is calling on all fellow Missourians to join him and all of his friends at over 40 theaters across the state as Missouri “Commits to Be Kind.”

The “Commit to be Kind” weekend is being presented in conjunction with Missouri 4-H, the Humane Society of Missouri, PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center and Character Plus. Ten percent of all ticket sales will benefit Missouri 4-H. Locally, the movie will be shown at Springfield—Wehrenberg on South Campbell in Springfield.

For ticket and event information please go to: www.marshallthemiracledog.com.

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

Page 7

Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated February 19, 2015

Nutrition and Food Policy Chronic Disease Self-Management This six-week series was held in Springfield, and covered subjects including: 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.

Voices for Food Project: Pam is the State Coordinator for this six-state, federally funded research project aimed to address food security in isolated communities known as “food deserts”. Four SW Missouri communities have been selected to take part.

The project and its approach are unique because it is being applied across multiple states and draws on the expertise of multiple disciplines – including nutrition, community development, agriculture and youth. The focus is to develop and implement sustainable solutions that will increase availability and access to healthy food choices in these rural communities. Food councils are being developed and maintained in each of the targeted communities with stakeholder representatives from farmers, school administrators, business owners, and other concerned citizens. Pam plays a key role in providing guidance to the food councils, which will identify and develop community foodinsecurity solutions. The majority of Pam’s position is focused on this work, which will last into 2018.

MU Extension Program Integration: Pam is a member of the Health Systems team, working to: integrate our health-related programs with research; maximize the impact of our programs by Duitsman exceeding participant expectations; develop sustainable resource generation; and elevate MU Extension’s value. The work takes an interdisciplinary approach to increase the flexibility of the organization, and the ability to move resources quickly, based upon program needs. This team met three times during the month of February.

Local Food Hub Development Pam worked with a team from MSU collaboratively in February to design and distribute a Food Hub Feasibility Study aimed at the Ozark Region, specifically to gather data for the planning of food networks and food hub(s) in the Southwest region of Missouri.

One-on-one contacts this month: Telephone; e-mail; and face-to-face consultation and advisement: 33 Next page: Story about our Seeds of Prosperity Conference that was held in 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

Page 8

Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated February 19, 2015

Nutrition and Food Policy Local Food as Economic Development The Seeds of Prosperity conference was held in Springfield as a part of the 2015 Statewide Missouri Organic Association meeting.

The day-long session provided a forum for stakeholders to discuss challenges in Southwest Missouri to provide locally grown food to institutions and large organizations (hospitals, schools, grocers, restaurants, etc.). The session provided opportunity for large markets and local farmers to connect, alongside community resource organizations and key stakeholders.

“Education was offered by a variety of experts in local food system development.

Local community and state organizations also discussed available resources and assistance for farmers and producers,” said Dr. Pam Duitsman, nutrition specialist with University of Missouri Extension.

The outcome of this work is to ultimately increase economic vitality for all; strengthen our local system; and positively impact the health of our communities by increasing access to fresh

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

fruits and vegetables.

Farmers, producers, buyers, processors, food retailers, food distributors, food service management, Food system financiers, large systems, intermediaries, public health advocates, planners; Government officials, supporting organizations, consumers, community leaders were all in attendance

Page 9

Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated February 19, 2015

Family Nutrition Education Program Becky Roark      

Shady Dell Early Childhood Center, Pre-K, 56 students Sherwood Elementary, K, 1st and 2nd, 152 students Bingham Elementary, K and 1st, 157 students Well of Life Food Pantry, 300 Roark families Holland Elementary K—4th 12 students  (after school girls’ club meeting) Regional Girls Shelter— 7 Adults 

Sherri Hull   



  

Completed series of lessons for Sequiota Elementary K-3rd grade, 243 students Completed series of lessons for Mann Elementary K-1st grade, 148 students Continued series of lessons for Ashley’s House (Regional Girls Shelter), 7 participants Victory Mission Family Ministries Food Pantry – Display and Discussion about “Building a Healthy Plate”, 168 families Grant Head Start Family Night 28 participants Holland Elementary Girls On The Go, 12 students Early Childhood Center – Fruit and Vegetable Display with Seasonal and Simple App Kiosk—92 Adults

Hull

Wood

Nevatt

People Helping People Food Pantry Display, 29 families Early Childhood Center Display, Adults 92

Jenni Nevatt This month I worked with 173 6th-8th graders at Pipkin middle school. Students learned a variety of nutrition information to help them make healthy choices.

Marty Wood   

  

Willard WIC, “Eating Smart, Being Active,” Adults 17 Willard Food Pantry Display, 52 families Pregnancy Care Center, “Eating Smart, Being Active ,” Adults 37 Crosslines Food Pantry Display, 1264 families Southwest Mo. Indian Center Display, 23 families Harter House-Strafford Display, Adults 71

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

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

DeFord

Edmondson

Williams Page 10

Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated February 19, 2015

Civic Communication Specialist and County Program Director

BY THE NUMBERS (for the month)  News Service Subscribers: 9.888 weekly  Requests for advisement: 12  Regular weekly news columns: 14  TV/Radio Interviews – 2  Total articles written this month – 52

ANNUAL REPORT The new Greene County Extension Council Annual Report is complete and available on our website.

Printed copies of the report will be available at the annual meeting or can be ordered on Amazon.com.

SOCIAL MEDIA REACH (Dec 2014):  Individuals engaged this month on various MU Extension Facebook pages: 18,887.  Added 8 videos to YouTube this month.

Our MUExteision417 channel continues to David Burton get over 100,000 vid- Civic communication burtond@missouri.edu eo views a year.  Researching various online tools for contact management for Expert Source Program.  Preparing to transition the news service to Constant Contact from a free listserv provided by the University of Missouri.  Provided media training to new employees of MU Extension in southwest Missouri.

Key Project Updates ...

A Note of Thanks …

CPD DUTIES & PROGRAMS  Financial oversight, travel authorizations.  County Commission meetings.  Friends of Greene County Extension efforts.  Edited monthly “Reaching Out Report”  Regular updates to county extension website  Coordinating meetings of council committees







This month’s issue of Cares Magazine will feature the Greene County Extension Council with a full page profile. Each month of 2015, Extension will have a half-page advertisement and an article — both of which are submitted by David Burton — that communicates our local message to the opinion leaders that receive Cares Magazine. More at http://www.goicare.com.

Past Extension donors are going to receive a postcard toward the end of April encouraging them to give to Greene County Extension as part of the Give Ozarks campaign on May 5.

Greene County Extension now has an endowment fund and a gift fund with the Community Foundation of the Ozarks which makes us eligible for additional grants and provides an easy way for donors to contribute locally.

“David, when I discovered you had nominated my book on one-room schools in Jasper County for a state preservation award I was thrilled! But at the same time, you deserve to be nominated too. You may not want to accept any credit for all that has happened but you are the nucleus of this rural school movement. I was struggling with my Jasper County book until I started following your e-mails and joined the Missouri Historic Schools Alliance and began to understand how important this effort is to Missouri heritage and rural communities. Not only from an information point but also to those who read the stories and smile as they journey back to their childhood. You are doing a wonderful job!”

Helen Hunter, Carthage, Mo.

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

Page 11

Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated February 19, 2015

Civic Communication Specialist and County Program Director

Pilot Project with Master Gardeners and Publications David Burton, civic communication specialist with MU Extension and county program director for Greene County Extension, has been working for over two years with the MU Extension marketing director at the University of Missouri to develop templates (for publications, flyers, ads, and brochures) to be used statewide to better brand MU Extension programs and market our programs.

In late 2013, Greene County was selected to be a pilot project for this effort after campus staff met with Burton and some members of the Greene County Extension Council. Burton was willing to work with campus and Greene County provided some unique challenges that could be addressed.

One of those challenges was the use of multiple logos on publications: MU Extension, program logos, and the Botanical Center.

Burton suggested targeting the pilot on the Master Gardener program because they selfgenerate a lot of marketing materials. The goal was to create high quality publications that use the correct logos, market Master Gardeners and also help maintain or build the MU Extension brand.

Laura Lindsey, the director of MU Extension marketing, met with a team in Greene County back in November of 2014. She explained the vision of her marketing plan was to create templates that could easily be modified by volunteers to promote local programs. These templates would promote the MU Extension brand and would be easy enough to use that volunteers would not need to have a graphic design background.

Volunteers at this team meeting requested special publications for use at the lawn and garden show. Campus worked with a designer to create templates and to provide a final color product.

There were lots of requested changes. Ultimately, final and corrected flyers were created and adjusted

by Burton for local Master Gardener use and can be seen at upcoming events.

“A great deal was learned in this process and the templates are still being refined and the process updated based on the lessons learned in this publi-

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

cation effort,” said Lindsey.

Once the templates are finalized, Master Gardeners and other MU Extension volunteers statewide will be able to insert the information into flyers and brochures themselves and pick from several templates with different picture options. That should alleviate future issues. I “New processes are always a learning process. We have identified some weaknesses and I will work on creating solutions to them for future projects, but I think in the long run, we will be able to provide great materials for the Master Gardeners to use for promoting their events,” said Lindsey.

VITA Work Dec 8: I presented a 1 hour training for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) volunteers on the Link & Learn website. Volunteers use L&L to work test prob- Nellie Lamers lems and take certification tests for the VITA and TCE programs. 24 attended the session.

Improving Communities 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 Jeff Barber by phone at (417) 881Housing and design 8909 or email at barberj@missouri.edu. barberj@missouri.edu Page 12

Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated February 19, 2015

Civic Communication Specialist and County Program Director

Greene County Commission Hosts Budget Signing Event and Agrees to Increase in County Extension Budget Greene County Commissioners signed the 2015 budget on Friday, Jan. 30 during a special afternoon signing ceremony. The 2015 budget included a change in funding for Greene County Extension.

“The funding change was welcome news,” said George Deatz, chairman of the Greene County Extension Council.

Deatz said council members were very excited to learn the county was willing to match the funds raised privately by the extension council ($27,000) instead of the state minimum funding of $10,000.

Greene County Commissioners sign the 2015 county budget during a “Thanks to Commisspecial ceremony on Jan. 30. sioner Cirtin, Commissioner Bentley and Commissioner Bengsch for the vote of confidence in extension,” said David Burton, county program director for Greene County Extension.

Greene County Presiding Commissioner Bob Cirtin spoke before the Commissioners voted to pass the budget. "This is a very conservative budget that provides for many but not all of the services that are citizens have come to expect," said Cirtin.

The budget comes with a 3 percent raise for all county employees, effective February 1. Another step up raise is coming for some county employees in July.

Commissioner of District 1 Harold Bengsch said, "This is a big deal for us and I know it's a big deal for our employees obviously but in addition to that we are beginning to meet some of the needs that had to go unattended for almost 6 years."

However, to afford the pay raises, other county needs had to go unfunded. "There are a lot of critical needs there, there are positions we need to fill that we cannot fill. So that means employees will continue to have to pick up additional workload they weren't hired to do," said Bengsch.

Commissioners say the county was not offering competitive enough salaries to recruit and keep top talent. "There were things that every department really need it bad, but they said no or employees must come first," says Bengsch.

A two-page list of needed expenses amounting to over $9.48 million were not funded in the budget.

Presiding Commissioner Bob Cirtin says the budget is expected to grow as sales tax revenue is projected to continue to increase as it has over the last few months.

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

Page 13

Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated February 19, 2015

Horticulture Specialist Community Contact: TV and Radio  4 live interviews with KOLR10’s John Ziegler (1 delivered by Kelly McGowan)  4 radio interviews with Morris Westfall’s “Farm Page of the Air” Print media  Contributed to several articles and interviews Requests for information  Telephone contacts – 34 for advisement  Email contacts – 14 contacts  Office visits, professional contacts – 2 for consultation and advisement  Farm site visits – 9 for advisement







Programs Presented: 



















“Food Safety from Farm to Fork” and “Irrigation Food Safety,” Food Safety for Farmers Workshop, Webb City (1/27/15) 2015 Master Gardeners of Greene County core training orientations, Springfield (1/28/15, 1/29/15, 2/3/15, 2/11/15) “The Secrets of Saving Seeds,” Carnegie/ Midtown Springfield/Greene County Public Library presentation, Springfield (1/31/15) “The Secrets of Saving Seeds,” The Library Station Springfield/Greene County Public Library presentation, Springfield (1/31/15) “Seeds of Prosperity: Local Food as Economic Development” moderator and panel participant, Missouri Organic Association Conference, Springfield (2/6/15) “Making Alternative Crops Sexy,” Missouri Organic Association Conference, Springfield (2/6/15) “Field Identification and Management Strategies of Common Diseases in Small Fruits Production,” Missouri Organic Association Conference, Springfield (2/7/15) “Pawpaw Production for Missouri Farmers,” Missouri Organic Association Conference, Springfield (2/7/15) “Building a Market for Specialty Crops: Elderberry Case Study,” Gateway Fruit and Vegetable Conference, O’Fallon, IL (2/10/15) “Forward to the Fundamentals with Blueberries,” Gateway Fruit and Vegetable Conference, O’Fallon, IL (2/10/15)

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

“Low Water Landscaping,” Master Gardeners of Laclede County program, Lebanon (2/12/15) “Food Safety from Farm to Fork” and “Irrigation Food Safety,” Food Safety Workshop, Houston Patrick Byers (2/13/15) Horticulture “Extension Programbyerspl@missouri.edu ming Opportunities for Independent Garden Centers,” BWI meeting, Springfield (2/18/15)

Coordinated: 

    

   

Identification and submission of brown marmorated stink bug sample to Missouri Department of Agriculture (1/28/15) Master Naturalists seasonal banquet, Springfield (1/23/15) Master Gardeners of Greene County board meeting, Springfield (2/2/15) Master Gardeners of Greene County chapter meeting, Springfield (2/10/15) Springfield Plateau Master Naturalists board meeting, Springfield (2/11/15) Master Gardeners of Greene County core training, Springfield (starts 2/17/15 and continues to 4/2/15) Planning activities for Ornamentals IPM ISE to be held in Springfield, June 18-19, 2015 Planning activities for Master Gardener low tunnel advanced training Mentoring activities with Robert Balek, MU Extension regional horticulture specialist Horticulture soil test reports - recommendations and distribution for SW region – 61 reports during reporting period

Participated in:  

Greene County Extension Council meeting, Springfield (1/26/15) Ozarks Farmers Agricultural Cooperative meeting, West Plains (1/27/15)

Page 14

Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated February 19, 2015

Horticulture Specialist  

Greene County Commission budget signing ceremony, Springfield (1/30/15) Missouri Gravel Bed Workshop, Springfield (2/11/15)

Upcoming programming and events  

 

  

      

 

Potting Shed University, Springfield (Monday evenings through April 27) “The 2014 Farm Bill and Horticultural Producers,” Webb City Farmers Market annual membership meeting, Webb City (2/21/15) Greene County Extension Council annual meeting, Springfield (2/23/15) “Getting Started in Bramble Production” workshop, North American Raspberry and Blackberry Association annual conference, Fayetteville AR (2/24/15-2/27/15) Spring Lawn and Garden Show seminar series, Springfield (2/27/15-3/1/15) Beginning Beekeeping Series, Houston (3/4/15 -3/6/15) “The Xeriscape Garden – 20 years of sustainable landscape education,” Baxter County Master Gardeners Spring Conference, Mountain Home, AR (3/7/15) MELD change project presentation to MU Extension cabinet, Columbia, MO (3/10/15) Missouri Blueberry School, Springfield (3/13/14-3/14/15) Greene County Soil and Water Conservation District annual meeting, Springfield (3/16/15) “Getting Started with Produce,” Ozarks Ag 101 Shortcourse, Mountain Grove (3/17/15) “Food Safety from Farm to Fork,” Polk County food safety workshop, Bolivar (3/18/15) OFAC workshops, West Plains (3/19/15, 3/20/15) “Opportunities to diversify with fruit,” LU ISFOP Minority Conference, Fairview (3/21/15) Apple grafting workshops, Ava (3/25/15), Carthage (3/28/15), and Nixa (3/28/15) Plasticulture workshop, Seneca (3/27/15)

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

Human Interest: Seed Library at The Library The Springfield/Greene County Library District is embarking on an interesting project focused on developing a seed library for the residents of Greene County.

A driving force behind this project is Master Gardener Gina Marie Walden, Circulation Manager at the Midtown Carnegie Library.

MU Extension horticulturist Patrick Byers consulted on the development of the project, which will encourage library patrons to “check out” vegetable seeds in the spring, plant a garden and reap a bountiful harvest, and then save seeds to return to the seed library.

The project was kicked off with two seed saving workshops Jan. 31 at the Midtown Carnegie Library and the Library Station. Patrick discussed the science behind saving seeds, discussed the seed saving process, and demonstrated seed saving techniques with tomato, squash, fennel, and pepper.

Master Gardeners Annual Report Available Online Officers of the Master Gardeners of Greene County have published their first chapter annual report showcasing the highlights of 2014 for this active organization. The Annual Report can be found on the Greene County Extension website.

Page 15

Donation period runs from November 1, 2014 to Oct. 31, 2015

2015 Contributors to “Friends of Greene County Extension” Corporate Level Sanford, Lea and Associates Master Gardeners of Greene County

Patron Level George Deatz Ann Hall

Sponsor Level Contributor Level David & Stacey Burton Carl Hathcock

Galen Jones Jack Kaiser Springfield Water Garden Society Ronald & Sue Terry

Friends Level Glenn Blake M.D. Bonebrake

Shelby Bradley Malia Bucher Ramona Burton Carr Stock Farms, LLC Major & Marthe Close Johnny Davis Jim Eckhoff Gale Edwards James Garton David Hall Avis Holloway

Dr. Jeff Jones Barbara Kipfer Pauline Marsh MFA Incorporated Dr. Don Nicholson Ryan Lawn & Tree Stephen & Sally Taylor Gene Wallace David & Glenda Welde

Partner Level Matthew Simpson Patsy Spindler Emma Valentin

Associate Level Alice Counts Barb Decker Rob & Brenda Funkhouser Rebecca Hoy Fred & Dorothy Miller Dean & Jackie Morgan Edie Nelson Lamont Nelson Benjamin Newville Minuen Odom Robert Pears Dale & Carrie Sanders Jeanie Skibiski Virginia Snyder

Total Contributed: Cash = $12,797

Donate Old Vehicles or Farm Equipment to Greene County Extension The Greene County Extension Council is generating money for educational programs thanks to a partnership with CoPart, a national company with a Rogersville location.

Cars, trucks, motorcycles, RVs, ATVs, boats, boat motors and farm equipment -- in any condition -- can now be donated.

Donations can be arranged through Greene County Extension. Arrangements are then made to have CoPart pick up the vehicle at a time that works best for the donor. Another option is for the donor to deliver the item to CoPart’s location in Rogersville and save Extension the hauling fee. CoPart specializes in online auctions of vehicles, boats and farm equipment at www.copart.com.

When contacting the local extension office with a donation be prepared to give the following: name, address and telephone for the owner and type of item. If it is a vehicle we will need VIN, make, model, year, color and mileage. When the vehicle is picked up (or delivered) the owner must sign over the title.

In 2014, over $4,000 was generated for the extension office with this program. Visit extension.missouri.edu/greene for details.

Friends of Greene County Extension Since 1914, Greene County residents have sought help in agriculture, gardening, 4-H youth, nutrition, families, business and community development from Extension. 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

Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated February 19, 2015

Friends of Greene County Extension Sanford & Lea CPA and Master Gardeners Repeat as Corporate Extension Donors Missy Sanford presented corporate sponsorship checks from both Sanford & Lea CPA and Master Gardeners of Greene County to the Greene County Extension Council on Monday, Jan. 26, 2015.

SANFORD AND LEA Sanford and Lea CPA has given to the Friends of Greene County Extension as a corporate donor for three years now.

“With this gift, David and Missy Sanford and Sanford and Lea CPAs have become the largest private donor to Friends of Greene County Extension,” said Deatz.

Sanford was clear about why she and her husband support extension and volunteer so much with Master Gardeners.

“We give because we believe in Extension. We aren't concerned about publicity as much as being clear that we support Extension,” said Missy.

The Sanford and Lea CPA firm is located in Springfield and can be found at www.adifferentcpa.com.

This marks the third year that the local county chapter has given at the corporate donor level.

“Master Gardeners have been completely invaluable to keeping the Greene County Extension Center open and programming available to the community,” said Deatz.

FRIENDS CAMPAIGN “Both of these gifts are very important and significant,” said David Burton, county program director for Greene County Extension. “These private funds are vital to the continued operation of Greene County Extension and our educational programs.”

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, Mo. To learn how you can help call the Greene County Extension Center at (417) 881-8909.

MASTER GARDENERS Master Gardeners of Greene County have nearly 200 active members who volunteer in the community and conduct a number of public education programs at the Springfield Botanical Center.

The Master Gardener chapter is a University of Missouri Extension educational program and have been since its founding 30 years ago.

George Deatz (left), chairman of the extension council, acMembers serve as extension volun- cepts two checks from Missy Sanford on behalf of Sanford and Lea CPA and Master Gardeners of Greene County. teers in programs and trainings.

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

Page 17

Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated February 19, 2015

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 at 8:30 a.m. Call 864-1049 to confirm location of meeting.

4-H Leader’s Council Meetings: 3rd Thursday of each month (except July) from 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.

Master Gardeners of Greene County-membership meeting: Second Tuesday each month at 6:00 p.m. at the Botanical Center.

Greene County Farm Bureau — Second Monday of the month at Farm Bureau 2530 S Campbell Ave, Springfield. Starts at 7:30 p.m.

Greene County Extension Office located inside the Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, Mo. 65807 Tel: (417) 881-8909 Fax (417) 823-4818 Office hours: Monday - Friday * 8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Corporate Sponsors 

 





Sanford, Lea and Associates, CPA, Springfield, Mo.: (417) 886-2220, www.adifferentcpa.com Master Gardeners of Greene County: http://www.mggreene.org Meyer Communications, KWTO 560 AM / KTXR 101.3 FM: (417) 862-3751 www.radiospringfield.com/ 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

Can I Help?

Lorri Winters can help customers with material needs, soil tests or program registrations.

Contact her at the Greene County Extension Center, (417) 881-8909 or email her at wintersl@missouri.edu. Lorri Winters joined Greene County Extension in 2005.

Lorri Winters Office Manager

Videos on YouTube Watch the videos posted to our channel at www.youtube.com/MUExtension417.

On Facebook Get regular updates about programs and news from MU Extension in southwest Missouri. Find us at facebook.com/MUExtension417.

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 the editor, David Burton, at (417) 881-8909.

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