February 2018

“Reaching Out Report” the Greene County Extension Newsletter

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

February 2018 *

Vol. 11, 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 Each “Reaching Out Report” is used by Greene County Extension specialists to concisely communicate activities, impacts and events to members of the Greene County Extension Council, Greene County Commission and Greene County residents.

LOCAL EVENTS

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

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

Goals and Leadership Facilitation

Greene County MU Extension Specialists David Burton, Pam Duitsman and David Burton led a leadership and goal setting training for supervisory staff in the city of Republic Jan. 18-19.

There were nearly 30 people in attendance and the results for this group were nearly immediate. Read more about this training inside this newsletter.

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

Greene County “Reaching Out� Report

Last Updated January 24, 2018

Financials

Program Highlight: City of Republic Facilatation Jan. 18-19, 2018, Republic EXPENSES Specialists/speakers mileage Copies/Printing of booklets Supplies/Materials Administrative Fee (10%)

Quanity

#/pages 2 45 1

Cost Per 0.51 6.5 12.5

60

Total $ $ $ $ $

Expenses SUB TOTAL INCOME Contacted at $65 per hour

1

$1,060.00 TOTAL Program gross gain Revenue generation to campus *NET PROFIT

DRIVERS FOR 2018 Actual Soil tests 44 Total Paid Reigstrations 52 Total Donors 3

Financials Fun Facts

Starting in February, the University reimbursement rate for mileage is decreasing in .37 cents per mile. For many years, mileage has been reimbursed at the IRS rate.

Most recently that was .51 cents per mile. This change is being made for several reasons. One is for cost savings. This should result in some cost savings for county travel budgets although most counties were anticipating some savings in travel this year as a result of changes made to the travel system. MU Extension will pick up by about 20% of county mileage expenses the next few years.

The new travel system is implemented in February and expenses that month will reflect the change.

Goal 400 1,000 120

Pert 11% 5% 3%

2017 359 1,162 91

January 2018 INCOME

61.20 292.50 12.50 106.00 472.20 $1,060.00 $1,060.00 $587.80 $500.00 $87.80

2016 378 744 68

2015 332 660 102

2014 306

541 115

2018

2018

2018

YTD #s

Budget #

DIFF

$375.28

$24,000.00

$23,624.72

County Appropriations

$0.00

$50,000.00

$50,000.00

Gifts/Grants/Contracts

$1,100.00

$17,500.00

$16,400.00

$392.50

$9,500.00

$9,107.50

Student Fees

Resales/Fees/Soil Tests Program Support Fund TOTAL INCOME EXPENSES

$0.00

$3,075.00

$3,075.00

$1,867.78

$104,075.00

$102,207.22

Budget #

YTD #s

DIFF

$3,533.39

$43,500.00

$18,265.73

Travel for county programs

$212.10

$8,000.00

$7,787.90

Office operations

$607.24

$8,300.00

$3,031.57

Marketing & Printing

$943.59

$15,550.00

$14,606.41

Supplies/Services

$530.72

$17,000.00

$16,469.28

Extension Council

$0.00

$550.00

$345.65

Endowment

$0.00

$0.00

$500.00

$11,175.00

$10,675.00

$104,075.00

$97,747.96

Personnel Wages/Benefits

Fee Generation to MU TOTAL EXPENSES NET INCOME

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

$6,327.04 $

(4,459.26)

$

-

$4,459.26

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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated January 24, 2018

Programs for 2018

2018 Programming

Some of our planned programing for the year.

FEBRUARY  Master Gardener Core Training, - sponsorship eligible/50 attendance for 10 sessions)  Spring Forage Conf. - Feb. 26-27 in Springfield  Ozarks Press Association Conf.—Feb. 23  Extension Council Annual Meeting - Feb. 26  Feb. 28 – Legislative Day for Council/ EXCCEL team, trip to Jefferson City MARCH  Private Pesticide Application Training in Springfield—Feb. 2  95th Annual Agriculture Production Conf.

March 20 – Springfield  EXCCEL program graduation—March 29 APRIL  Spring farm or crop tour – Greene County (50 attendance / meal included)  Apple Grafting workshop – McGowan & Byers  Native Plants for the Home, Springfield  Stay Strong, Stay Healthy – (grant funded)  Start of “Community Betterment Fairs” in Ash Grove, Willard and elsewhere  Specialty/Local Foods/ Conf. – Pam Duitsman MAY  Turf Professionals Workshop— Springfield  Children’s tours of butterfly house begin Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop Series, Springfield

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

JUNE  Food Preservation Classes – Springfield (sponsorship eligible / 30 in attendance)  Food Preservation: Jams and Jellies, Salsa, and a day-long boot camp JULY  Tomato Festival – sponsorship eligible / 75 attendance (Strike Force w/ Byers)  Mizzou Alumni networking event AUGUST  Urban Homesteading Festival – Botanical Center (McGowan) - Sept. 1  Horticulture Tour – Greene County with final stop at Botanical Center for Remos Pizza (sponsorship eligible/50 attendance) SEPTEMBER  Salute to Century Farm (September) — (sponsorship eligible / 125 attendance; sponsor a table for honored family farms)  Garlic Festival – Springfield (sponsorship eligible / 50 attendance)  Commission Farm Tour— (western Greene County this year). (Sponsorship eligible) OCTOBER  Beef production on small acreage workshop—Springfield (sponsorship eligible includes meal); MoBeef for MoKids or sustainable options with Pam Duitsman  Fall Food Preservation Camp

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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

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Programs for 2018 NOVEMBER  Missouri Woodland Steward program – Springfield (sponsorship eligible)  Mizzou Alumni networking event EXCCEL LEADERSHIP PROGRAM – (focuses on western Greene County and the development of emerging leaders in the community). With scholarships provided by sponsors the $300 attendance fee should be covered for more attendees. Past participants have created project plans that have had positive impacts on these communities and further engaged area residents in making their communities better and increasing volunteerism.

MASTER GARDENER TRAININGS – (corporate sponsorship of Master Gardener chapter is available through Greene County Extension because it is an MU Extension program). Yearly sponsorship gets name and logo in chapter newsletters and a banner at events.  Master Gardener Monthly Hotline Training  Master Gardener Monthly chapter membership meetings  2017 Lawn and Garden Show

  

10th Annual Butterfly Festival and Young Sprouts Annual Southwest Regional Master Gardener Field Day Various garden tours and educational events including Potting Shed University

BUSINESS PROGRAMS/TRAININGS – Done in cooperation with SBDTC and MSU (Sponsors needed to bring these programs out to Republic and Willard) Program topics include: The Basics of Writing a Business Plan, Understanding Financial Statements, Online Marketing Trends & Tactics, Social Media Strategies, and Quickbooks For Your Business NUTRITION EDUCATION PROGRAM ADULTS AND CHILDREN (Grant funded) Program topics include: Choosing Foods for Me, Food Group Express, Building My Body, Choosing Foods for Me, Adventures in Nutrition with the Show-Me Chef, Fun with Food & Fitness, and Eating Smart, Being Active

Greene County Extension Council Meeting Schedule DAY OF THE WEEK DATE TIME LOCATION Monday Jan. 29 Noon Botanical Cnt Monday 26-Feb 5:30 p.m. Botanical Cnt Monday Monday Tuesday Monday Monday

26-Mar 30-Apr 29-May 25-Jun 30-Jul

Noon Noon Noon Noon Noon

Botanical Cnt Botanical Cnt Botanical Cnt Botanical Cnt Botanical Cnt

Monday Aug. 27 Noon Botanical Cnt Monday Sept. 24 5:30 p.m. Round Barn Monday Oct. 29 Noon Botanical Cnt Monday Nov. 26 Monday Dec. 31 Monday

Noon Noon Noon

LUNCH ARRANGEMENTS Dominos Pizza Potluck

Botanical Cnt Botanical Cnt Botanical Cnt

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

Maggie Maes

Lunch Cost GUESTS OR SPEAKERS $5 Dr. Steve Devlin, MU leader Dr. Marshal Stewart Sandra Wiggins, Business $5 Center $5 Kelly McGowan, Elderberries $5 David Burton, Council training $5 Pam Duitsman / Nutrition CANCEL / Officers Only Renette Wardlow/Brain $5 Health $25 Salute to Century Farms $5 $5

Amy Patillo /Workforce CANCEL / Officers Only

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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

Last Updated January 24, 2018

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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

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County Extension Council

Annual Meeting Feb. 26 Includes Swearing in of New Council and Vice-Chancellor for Extension & Engagement Friends of Greene County Extension and interested members of the public are invited to attend the annual meeting of the Greene County Extension Council starting at 5:30 p.m., Feb. 26 at the Botanical Center in Springfield.

Registration can be made by calling (417) 881-8909 or online at extension.missouri.edu/greene.

A potluck dinner will be provided (chicken provided by extension staff), followed by the swearing in of ten new council members by Greene County Clerk Shane Schoeller.

The guest speaker for the evening will be Dr. Marshall Stewart, vice chancellor for extension and engagement at the University of Missouri. Jon Emery, University of Missouri admissions representative for southwest Missouri will also give an update report.

Two individuals – Katie Keith and Lane McConnell -will be presented the Leaders “Honor Roll” Award. This award honors outstanding University of Missouri Extension community partners who have excelled in supporting or coteaching named extension programs.

“Last year was a recordsetting year for the Greene County Extension program.

The coming year promises to be a great one too,” said David Burton, county program director for Greene County Extension. “I’m very excited about our council and our efforts to work closer with Mizzou.”

Since 1914, Greene County residents have sought help from Greene County Extension on topics related to agriculture, gardening, 4-H youth, nutrition, cooking, families, housing and business and com-

munity development.

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

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County Extension Council Willard. That switch made room for Brandon Hebbert to take a twoyear seat on the council.

David Johnson, who Over 250 Greene County residents voted received the 10th and chose from 13 candidates to fill nine seats highest votes on the county’s University of Missouri overall, will Extension Council during a public election held serve out the Jan. 15-19, 2017. remainder of the A total of 256 separate votes were cast this one-year term year, the highest since online voting began in created by the 2012. There were 173 separate votes in the recent 2017 election. This year, 98 percent of all resignation of ballots were cast online using the MU Peter Longley.

Extension designed system.

Three The following eight persons were elected to candidates did not receive enough votes to a two-year term on the council. be elected to the council this election cycle: Greg Boehne, a graduate of Mizzou and David Byrd of Battlefield, Joe Crim of owner of Boehne Financial Group in Springfield and O’Brien St James Daniels Springfield, was the top vote-getter with 119 of Springfield. votes.

“We had a fantastic slate of candidates Karen Dowdy received the second highest this year. The residents of Greene County number of votes with 75. She is a resident of will be represented well by these council Willard, a member of MU Extension’s members,” said David Burton, county inaugural EXCCEL Leadership Class in Greene program director.

“We will begin gathering County and a Compliance Coordinator for names in October for the 2019 election.” workforce development at the Missouri Job Candidates will be sworn into office at Center. the annual extension Morgan Ash – who is the current council secretary, a Snider has agreed to be meeting starting at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 26 at the graduate of Mizzou, and an the appointee for the City Springfield Botanical employee of Habitat for of Willard. That switch Center.

Humanity of Springfield -- was Every county in Missouri made room for Brandon the second highest vote getter has a publicly elected Hebbert to take a two-year with 67 votes. extension council. Members Other top voter getters in seat on the council. David are elected to represent the ranked order include Sam Johnson, who received the educational needs and Snider, Larry Adams, Ann Hall, backgrounds of people in 10th highest votes overall, Chris Schulze, Rick Stenberg Greene County. County will serve out the remainand Brandon Hebbert. extension councils are the However, Snider has agreed der of the one-year term governing body for local to be added to the council as the created by the recent resig- educational opportunities appointee for the City of nation of Peter Longley. provided by MU Extension.

Greg Boehne Leads All Candidates in 2018 Greene County Extension Council Election; Seven New Faces Join Council

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

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Business and Community Development

What is the Definition of Community Engagement?

Carnegie Foundation defines Community Engagement this way: “Collaboration between institutions of higher education and their larger community for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources in a context of partnership and reciprocity. The purpose of community engagement is the partnership of college and university knowledge and resources with those of the public and private sectors to enrich scholarship, research, and creative activity; enhance curriculum, teaching and learning; prepare educated, engaged citizens; strengthen democratic values and civic responsibility; address critical societal issues; and contribute to the public good.”

Our partnerships have always been strong in Greene County and in 2018 we look to expand those partnerships and increase our community engagement even further.

Social Media Scoreboard Followers of Facebook pages I administer

83,443

Weekly average views on Facebook pages.

98,413

Greene County Ext. Facebook followers

1,368

@MUExtension417 followers on Twitter

189

MUExtension417 is on YouTube also

528,441 views | 714 Subscribers

EXCCEL Members Find a Place to Serve Community Participants in our EXCCEL program are asked to plan a David Burton individual project that Civic communication burtond@missouri.edu will impact their community. It is a way to put some of what has been learned about local needs in to action.

EXCCEL member Karen Dowdy is going to work with organizations to create a welcome "W" planter coming in to Willard. This fits with the areas efforts to use “W” to as a branding tool.

EXCCEL members Melanie Wasson and Britny Goodman are chairing the Republic Business and Community Expo at the Community Center on Saturday, April 14 and are adding a volunteer recruitment component to the event to highlight local non-profits.

EXCCEL member Dana Guerra is developing a vacant property list for Ash Grove and a "one stop" form for potential developers, and the Homebuilders Association to get construction going in Ash Grove and address the rural housing problem that exists in that area.

EXCCEL member Katie Keith is working with the Ash Grove Park Board to recruit and train volunteers that will maintain flowers and plants as part of the city welcome signs and at several other community areas.

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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Business and Community Development

MU Extension Specialists Help City of Republic Employees Build Goals and Action Plans for Their Departments A sleeping giant has been awakened in western Greene County. New city leadership combined with an enthusiastic staff, positive elected officials, a thriving economy, quality of life assets and a strong school district have helped to position Republic as a positive place to do business and raise a family.

To keep up with the changes and needs, city departments are now creating goals, action plans and work groups to accomplish priority projects and keep moving the city forward.

“We have a comprehensive mix of new and tenured staff members, and it was necessary to bring everyone together, look beyond their challenges or departments and think big picture,” said David Cameron, city administrator for the City of Republic.

University of Missouri Extension Community Development Specialists Dr. Amy Patillo, David Burton and Dr. Pam Duitsman, facilitated a goal-setting training for city department heads on Jan. 18-19 in the training room at the Heart of America Beverage Company, Republic.

“MU Extension’s community development program works with Missouri communities and non-profits of all types to improve staff interaction, increase citizen involvement and to offer a variety of Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

other relevant trainings,” said Burton.

Patillo led department heads and supervisors through a strength, weakness, opportunity, and threat (SWOT) analysis of the city. Attendees were engaged individually and in groups to brainstorm needs, identify city goals and create action plans.

“Groups, organizations, and communities can develop a vision, identify priorities, develop an action agenda, and successfully develop and implement programs and projects by using MU Extension’s proven processes and researchbased information,” stated Dr. Patillo.

The group discussed positive city accomplishments to date as well as areas of concern.

On the topic of communication, the need for a public information officer for internal and external engagement was discussed as a way to communicate positive messages. However, a surprising need for internal staff communication and Page 9

Business and Community Development cooperation also bubbled up as a priority.

“It was great to see staff identify a challenge, discuss different approaches to meeting that challenge, and then settle on creating work groups and making weekly meetings on goals and finances a priority goal,” said Burton.

Staff also set goals to recommend to the City Council. The top six goals focus on the comprehensive plan, finances and funding, technical needs, training, communication (internal and external) and 30/60/90 action plans for workgroups.

Disciplined follow-up is essential to keep the momentum going to accomplish identified goals. By developing action items and assigning responsibility, city staff and leadership is preparing to do 30, 60 and 90-day follow-ups on the goals as well as establishing work groups.

“While we have recognized several positive improvements over the last 18 months, we also know that we cannot live in yesterday’s achievements and must continue to improve with our processes, relationships, and trust,” said Cameron. “It’s an important aspect of government when you have positive momentum that you make time to assess your current position, future needs and what could hinder the organization.”

For more information about meeting facilitation or customized training options contact any of these MU Extension Community Development Specialists working in southwest Missouri: Amy Patillo in Christian County, (417) 581-3558; David Burton in Greene County, (417) 881-8909; or Kathy Macomber in Barton County at (417) 682-3579.

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

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Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated January 24, 2018

Business and Community Development Community Development Programs: 

   









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Farm to School Annual Stakeholders Program Development meeting, Hollister High School, December 5, 2017- 22 participants Farm to School program development, 20 hours weekly StrikeForce Farmer Development program development, 15 hours weekly Farm to School Home Town Daily Interview and News Release, December 7, 2017 Hispanic Workforce Development/ Cambio De Colores workgroup meeting, Branson Chamber of Commerce, December 7, 2017, - 12 Participants StrikeForce Beginning Farmer Curriculum Development, Farmington, December 12, 2017 Health Insurance Education Initiative, Ironton High Tunnel Workshop, December 13, 2017 Ozark Mountain Tigers Working Out Loud workgroup facilitation, December 14, 20178 participants Local Food Systems workgroup meeting, Erik Larson, Taney County Health Department, Springfield, December 20, 2017 Program reporting completion, December 23, 2017

Participated In:   



Community Development Program Monthly meeting, December 14, 2017 Greene County Annual Faculty meeting, December 14, 2017 Regional Faculty meeting, Greene County Extension, December 19, 2017 Food System Impact Collaborative, webinar, December 19, 2017

Upcoming Programs  

Christian County Extension Council, Faculty and staff meeting, January 4, 2018 Canvas training webinar, January 5, 2018









    

  

Farm to School Professional Development workgroup meeting, January 5, 2018 Working Out Loud Workforce Development, weekly Amy Patillo starting JanuCommunity Development ary 8, 2018 patilloa@missouri.edu UMEA (Association Past-President) board meeting, Columbia, January 9 & 10, 2018 Working Out Loud Regional Staffing Plan, weekly continuing for 11 weeks, January 11, 2018 Beginning Farmer curriculum development, January 2018 HIEI workshop Taney County Health Department, January 13, 2018 CD program meeting, January 11, 2018 Regional Faculty meeting, January 16, 2018 Change the Culture Change the Game leadership book study, January 16, 2018 Nixa 8th Grade Honors Class, Solar, January 18, 2018 Hollister Rotary Farm to School presentation, January 22, 2018 Building Local Prosperity, Lake of the Ozarks, January 31, 2018

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 Community Development Specialist Dr. Amy Patillo in the Christian County Extension office by telephone at 417-581-3558 or email at patilloa@missouri.edu.

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

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Youth and Families Personality Profile Workshop Available for Classes or Workplace Settings Missouri State University Master’s Degree students participated in a workshop to kick off their health administration class taught by Dr. Dalen Duitsman. Each spring semester for the past several years, I jump-started the class by going through a personality profile activity with the students.

Dr. Duitsman said, “This is a great way to start the class; it sets the stage for what I will be teaching these students.”

We also discuss how to best get along and work with others who may have a very different personality than we do. Often conflict occurs in the workplace when people do not understand one another or their behaviors. The students enrolled in the class will work with a wide variety of people and will benefit by knowing how to deal with someone who they find annoying, too standoffish, too talkative and a host of other behaviors. The students taking the course come from a very diverse background and the workshop is tailored to help the class learn effective ways to Donate on understand and work together. the Greene This course is available not County only in the classroom, but also in Extension workplace settings. If interested, call 417-881-8909 to talk about website by the possibilities. mail or in

Courses to look for in 2018            

Stay Strong, Stay Healthy – Level 1 Stay Strong, Stay Healthy – Level 2 Health and Wellness Skill - UP Children & Grief Child Care Workshops Healthy for Life Renette Wardlow Building Strong Human Development Families & more wardlowr@missouri.edu Matter of Balance Stress Management Boost your Brain and Memory Positive Self-Worth

Donating to Greene County Extension is as Easy As:

person.

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

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

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

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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Youth and Families Dates to Remember  





 

Jan. 27 Making the best better – Neosho.

Feb. 17 Meats Judging youth (4-H online registration open early Jan).

Feb. 19-21 Mo 4-H Legislative Academy Feb. 23 Horse Judging Clinic – in STL in association w/ Quarter Horse Association Open to all youth (4-H online registration open early Jan).

Feb. 24 Horse Judging Contest – in STL in association w/ Quarter Horse Association (4-H online registration open early Jan.) March 2-4 13th annual MO youth civic leaders summit.

March 23-25 Shooting sports leader certification at Camp Jo-Ota April 13-15 Outdoor and hunting skills at Camp Windermere (registration Feb 1).

April 28-29 Horse Bowl and Hippology.

July 26-29 State Fair Horse Show.

August 9-19 State fair animal shows and state dairy judging contest (Aug 18).

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

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

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.

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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

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Agriculture and Environment

Winter Months Focus on Garden Relating Programming Master Gardener Core Training for New Members Training for new members begins Feb. 6 and continues through early April.

Classes will consist of 11 three-hour classes on subjects including plant propagation, trees, landscape design, home fruit and vegetable production, soil health and much more. Classes will be taught by Extension professionals and other subject related experts.

Potting Shed University Potting Shed University will begin Feb. 26 and continue through April 16.

This class series meets from 6-7 p.m. on Monday evenings at Springfield Botanical Center and is $5 per person to attend.  Feb. 26 – Starting Your Own Kitchen Garden  March 5 – English Gardens  March 12 – Growing Strawberries  March 19 – Companion Planting  March 26 – Using Foliage for Color in the Garden  April 2- Tried and True Plants for the Ozarks  April 9 – Plants for a Japanese Garden in the Ozarks  April 16 – Indoor Gardening: Our Favorite Houseplants and More For more information, visit the Master Gardeners of Greene County website at www.mggreene.org

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

Suggestions for Gardening Related Winter Activities An important winter chore in the home fruit planting is dormant season pruning. Apples, pears, and grapes may be pruned before Jan. 1, but wait Kelly McGowan Horticulture Educator until February to prune mcgowank@missouri.edu stone fruits. Fall-bearing raspberries may be mowed in late February. Other brambles and gooseberries may be pruned after first of the year.

Specific information on pruning can be found in MU Extension guides available online at extension.missouri.edu.

Winter and early spring are also good times to repair and maintain the various structures associated with home fruit production.

Rotted or broken trellis posts should be replaced. Repair and tighten sagging or broken wires. Damaged stakes should be replaced.

Repaint signs and other wooden structures such as arbors, gazebos, tables, and seats. Cold frames should be made ready for the spring.

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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Agriculture and Environment Organic fertilizers should be applied in fall or early winter to allow for decomposition before spring.

Organic matter tends to tie up nitrogen as it breaks down, leading to temporary nutritional problems. This problem can be avoided if sufficient time is allowed for the material to break down before plants start spring growth.

Mulches for winter protection of strawberries should be applied after the soil is cold, usually after Dec. 1. Plastic, wire, or paper protectors may be placed on the trunks of young trees.

A general cleanup of brush, weeds, and debris will make the planting less attractive to rodents. Do not place mulches, which provide cover for pests, close to trunks or stems.

Pest control is another winter chore.

Remove the egg cases of tent caterpillars during pruning. Prune out and destroy any diseased or dead plant parts such as cankers, fireblight strikes, and fruit mummies.

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

95th Ag Production Conference in Greene County Event will be held from 5:30 p.m to 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 20, 2018, at Springfield Livestock Marketing Center, 6821 West Independence, Springfield.

Speakers and topics will be announced soon.

Event is free and includes a meal but pre-registration is required.

Sponsors already include:

Presenting sponsors Greene County Soil and Water Conservation Greene County Commission Integrity Home Care and Hospice Event sponsors Main Street Feed — Larson Farm Supply Race Brothers — PFI Register by calling (417) 881-8909 or online at http://extension.missouri.edu/greene

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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

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Agriculture and Environment Community Contact: TV and Radio  Interview with KOLR10 (12.28.17)  Interview with KOLR10 (1.18.18) Requests for information  Telephone contacts – 8 for advisement  Email contacts – 10 contacts  Office visits, professional contacts – 17 for consultation and advisement  Farm site visits – 1 advisement Coordinated:  Springfield Plateau Master Naturalist board meeting, Springfield (1.10.18)  Springfield Plateau Master Naturalist chapter meeting and holiday party, Springfield (1.19.18)  Springfield Zone 1 SCG garden activities – planning service learning project  StrikeForce project activities – develop high tunnel and beginning farmer workshop curriculum, develop impact reporting system  Garlic research study planning for 2018

MU Extension horticulture specialist Patrick Byers joined a team of farmers and chefs to host the “Farmer – Chef Speed Dating” event on January 22, held at the Bass Pro Sportsman’s Lodge. The event brought area farmers and chefs together, to make professional connections in an informal atmosphere.

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Horticulture soil test reports - recommendations and distribution for SW region – 14 reports during reporting period

Participated in:  Greene County Soil and Water Conservation District board meeting, Springfield (1.9.18) Patrick Byers  Dicamba training, Horticulture Springfield (1.10.18) byerspl@missouri.edu  Regional Faculty Meeting, Springfield (1.16.18)  Farmer – Chef Speed Dating Event, Springfield (1.22.18) Upcoming programming and events  FSMA Mandatory Training, Springfield (1.29.17)  Garlic research study activities

The Missouri Master Naturalist Program results from a partnership created in 2004 between the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and MU Extension (MUE). The Missouri Master Naturalist Program is recognized as a named program within MU Extension. The MU School of Natural Resources is the academic home for the Program. See www.springfieldmasternaturalist.com or springfieldmn.blogspot.com/

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

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

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Greene County “Reaching Out� Report

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Health and Safety Diabetes and Chronic Disease SelfManagement Program: This class was offered this month in Springfield, in partnership with Mercy Health Center. The cost of this series is covered by a grant from CDC, and participants learn: techniques to deal with problems such as fatigue and pain; 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.

Participants learn how to: manage symptoms of diabetes; communicate effectively with your health care team; plan menus; keep your blood sugar in check; and get more out of life.

Regional Farm to School This month Procurement meetings, Education meetings, and individual organization meetings have taken place. The overall goal of the project is to connect Missouri farmers and schools in order to provide schools with locally grown agricultural products to serve in school meals and snacks. Three school systems are currently participating: Catholic; Hollister; and Springfield Public Schools. Research shows this strengthens local economies, supports farmers, and enhance education for school age kids through hands-on learning activities related to food, health, agriculture and nutrition. The current grant project will be supporting work in Greene County for the next two years.

Local Food Presentations/Meetings Pam has presented one Local Food presentation this month, participated in three local food system planning meetings, and one Community Coalition meeting.

Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Training Pam was a pr esenter for this training held in Springfield. Completion of this workshop is one way for Fruit and

Vegetable growers to satisfy the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement that requires "At least one supervisor or responsible party for your farm must have successfully completed food Pam Duitsman safety training at Nutrition Specialist least equivalent to duitsmanp@missouri.edu that received under standardized curriculum recognized as adequate by the Food and Drug Administration."

Community Development Pam participated in the two-day Leadership Training and Development program offered to the city of Republic this month.

Indirect Programming/Consultation: Pam has offered consultation to 17 Greene County individuals/farms/businesses/ organizations this month.

National Farm to School Grant Review Pam participated as a reviewer for the national USDA Farm to School program this month.

Trainings: Pam attended thr ee Local Food webinar trainings this month.

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

Contact Nutrition and Health Education Specialist Dr. Pam Duitsman at (417) 881-8909 or by email at duitsmanp@missouri.edu.

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

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Health and Safety Sherri Hull

Family Nutrition Education Program

Nutrition Program Associate 

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

     

Willard South Elementary - Completed Series of Lessons PK-4th grades - 457 students Victory Mission Family Ministries Food Pantry – Display and Discussion - 152 Adults The Fairbanks – Produce Distribution (formerly at Hovey House) – Healthy Change Workshop - 13 Adults Northview Senior Center – Eat Smart Live Strong – 10 Adults Republic Senior Center – Eat Smart Be Active – 11 Adults OACAC Foster Grandparent Program – ESBA 30 Adults Douglas Head Start – Began Series of Lessons – PK – 72 Students Horace Mann Elem. – Began Series of Lessons – K-2nd – 177 Students SNAP Outreach – Midtown Library

Jennifer Nevatt

Family Nutrition Program Manager, Southwest Region Beginning in February, FNEP Coordinators statewide will lead their regional team of Nutrition Program Associates (NPAs) and Nutrition and Health Specialists through a series of modules about Systems Approaches to Healthy Communities. The web-based, professional development program promotes the integration of policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) interventions with educational strategies. The program is intended to help our team better understand and act on factors that influence whether individuals in their communities can easily make healthy choices. NPAs and Specialists will learn basic terminology, examples of systemsthinking and PSE concepts, skills to expand their own programs across multiple levels to impact policies, systems, and environments, as well as strategies and tools for strengthening engagement, communicating with partners, and understanding community context. The regional teams will alternate working on the modules together during the monthly FNEP in -service and independently in their offices. A com-

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

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

Nevatt

Hull

Wood

pletion date of April 9 has been set. This program will benefit both our staff as well as our communities.

Marty Wood

Nutrition Program Associate    

Willard WIC: Eating Smart, Being Active - 11 adults Willard Community Food Pantry: Eating Smart, Being Active - 21 adults Pregnancy Care Center: Eating Smart, Being Active -19 adults The Fairbanks - no classes this month due to weather

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

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 Extension

Office located inside the SpringfieldGreene County Botanical Center 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, Mo. 65807 Tel: (417) 881-8909 greeneco@missouri.edu Office hours: Monday - Friday * 8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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

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

Commission building, at 9:30 a.m.

Park Board Meetings: 2nd Fr iday of each month, 8:30 a.m. Confirm at 864-1049.

4-H Leader’s Council Meetings: 3r d Thursday of month (except July),7 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Redeemer Lutheran, 2852 S Dayton Ave, Springfield.

Greene County 4-H Foundation: 3r d Thursday of each month at Panera Bread on Battlefield (near 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: at 5:30 p.m. at the MDC regional office, on the second Wednesday of the month.

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

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

Southwest Region Directors Office 3003 E. Chestnut Expressway, Suite 200, Springfield, Mo. Jay Chism, Regional Dir ector E-mail: chismj@missouri.edu Sarah Grubaugh, Administr ative Assistant Email: GrubaughS@missouri.edu

| Tel: (417) 865-0707

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