November 2013 "Reaching Out Report"

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

November 2013 * Vol. 5, Issue 11

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Upcoming events … page 2 Pam Duitsman… pages 3-5 David Burton … pages 6 Nutrition … pages 7-8 4-H Report … page 9 Patrick Byers … pages 10-11 Master Naturalists … page 12 Master Gardeners … pages 13 Friends Letter … pages 14-15 Friends & Donors list … page 16-17 Sponsors & Partners page 18

Online Event Calendar 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 is visible on right side of page.

Harvest Party Food Day Celebration Pictured above are (left to right) Marty Wood, Becky Roark and Sherri Hull, the University of Missouri Extension nutrition associates serving Greene County. They were part of a strong Extension representation at the Harvest Party Food Day held Oct. 24 at Farmer’s Park in Springfield. The nutrition program displayed MyPlate information with a focus on fruits and vegetables. Associates also shared information on how to get children to eat more vegetables, along with healthy recipes.

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 November 21, 2013

Selected Upcoming Extension Events in Greene County Business Development Classes

Stay Strong, Stay Healthy

Regular business classes are held at the Small Business Development and Technology Center, 405 North Jefferson Ave., Springfield. Register by calling 417-836-5685 or checking online www.ws.missouristate.edu/sbdc.

This program is designed to help older adults improve strength, flexibility and balance which will reduce falls and lead to a healthier, more active lifestyle. These exercises are low-impact/low weight. All needed equipment is provided during the class. Pre-registration by Jan. 29 is required and class size is limited.

East meeting room of Botanical Center, taught by Greene County Extension 881-8909.

Age: Adults 50 and up Date: Every Mon.: Feb. 3 - April 14 Time: 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Fee: $40 per person

Garden Inspired Writing Retreat Experience nature and be creatively inspired by the beauty of the gardens. Let David Burton, MU Extension specialist, journalist, and published author, guide your journey into the natural world with creative writing exercises in the gardens. This retreat is for anyone who wants to be more creative whether you like journal writing, poetry, fiction, non-fiction or news writing. Bring your own writing tools. Meet in the Botanical Center Atrium.

Sessions available in 2013: Dec. 5; and sessions in 2014: Feb. 6, March 6, April 3 and May 1 Time: 9 a.m. to noon Fee: $20 per person, per session Registration available online. Age: All ages

Understanding Good Agricultural Practices (GAPS) and Writing a Farm Food Safety Plan

When: Friday, Dec. 6, 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

Where: Springfield/Greene County Botanical Center, 2400 S. Scenic, Springfield Description: Food safety training is quickly becoming a serious issue for farmers across the United States. GAP's (Good Agricultural Practices) is a comprehensive food safety approach that can be applied to any farm. With a food safety Low Cost, No Cost Energy Savers plan in place, both the consumer and farmer are at When: Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2013, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. less of a risk for a food Where: OACAC Greene County Neighborhood Center, 560 N Program Calendar Online borne illness outbreak.

This workshop, led by Stewart Ave, Springfield Description: Low Cost, No Cost The most up-to-date list of reported national experts on Energy Savers helps participants upcoming MU Extension programs in Farm Food Safety, is for small and mediumidentify home weatherization isGreene County is available online at sized farms. sues and wasteful home energy http://extension.missouri.edu/greene Registration: consumption, while offering inexCalendar visible on right side of page.

There is no charge to pensive solutions that they can attend the workshops, pursue immediately. Emphasis is placed on determining the aspects that the can have but registration is required Facilitator: Patrick Byers, byerspl@missouri.edu the greatest impact for the least investment and Greene County MU Extension Center effort. This is a Life Skills program offering for phone: 417/881-8909.

OACAC clients. In this session, MU Extension handouts, presentation and demonstrations are combined with two video segments from the film "Kilowatt Ours" to teach weatherization and home energy conservation.

Registration: Limited to OACAC clients.

Facilitator: Jeff Barber, 417/881-8909

Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated November 21, 2013

Nutrition Specialist Health Insurance Education Initiative

Stay Strong Stay Healthy course

The Springfield course Three classes were ran from Aug. 26 held in November, eduthrough Nov. 18. This cating 59 individuals. strength training class Two classes were focuses on improving held for employees of Duitsman strength, flexibility Springfield and Greene and balance for middle-aged to senior County. adults. The class has been shown to The education Pam is promote a healthier, more active lifeproviding helps county style, and increase bone density, reresidents to make informed health insurance Pam teaching at a community duce falls, improve arthritis sympHealth Insurance Education toms, and increase flexibility in middecisions. The training seminar. dle-aged and older adults. The next increases knowledge Springfield class begins Feb. 24, and skills about 2014. health insurance, improved healthliteracy, and assists Local Food and participants in comFarm Committee plying with the AfPam is working with a Greene Counfordable Care Act. ty committee to help drive economic Some of what growth in the local food sector, and participants gain to connect community systems to from the program: local producers. This work is a joint  Awareness – project of the Ozarks Regional Food who is eligible Policy Council; Food CORE; HLA for what, how to Pam Teaching HIEI to Springfield/ (Healthy Living Alliance) and MU obtain insurance, Greene employees.

Extension. A workshop is being etc. planned for producers and systems in Greene  General health insurance literacy inforCounty for Spring 2014. mation  Unbiased pre-enrollment education for Ozark Region Food Policy Council informed health insurance decisionPolicy and Program Recommendations making from the ORFPC were shared at a community  Education on how to use the plan purmeeting on Nov. 5. The assessments from the chased sub-committees are being aggregated and will  Connect Missourians with resources be published soon.

Pam is working with the SW MO partnership, which includes Navigators and Certified Application Counselors, to provide coordinated programing to reach audiences in Continued on next page Greene and surrounding counties.

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated November 21, 2013

Nutrition Specialist Food Day Event, Greene County The “Food Day” event series – about 40 food and nutrition related programs offered in Greene County – led up to a Harvest Party at the new Farmer’s Park. Greene County MU Extension Booth at the “Harvest Party Event” provided information on all MU Extension programming in the county. The event goals were to raise awareness for food access and to ensure safe and affordable food for everybody. A key focus was to highlight what is means to “Eat Real” – as in wholesome, whole food (that is, not out of a box), but that which can be provided by real farmers. Events included nutrition education classes and events, a movie series, canning and freezing classes, and farm tours.

Springfield-Greene County Health Department MAPP to Health Pam participated in a day-long community Springfield/Greene County Department of Health-led MAPP assessment of the Greene County public health system. MAPP is Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships, and was developed by the National Association of County and City Health Officials. Pam is representing Greene County Extension in this effort, which includes an assessment evaluating areas of the public health system (healthcare providers, public safety agencies, environmental agencies, and organizations that focus on human service and charity, education and youth development, recreation and art, economic and philanthropic efforts). Results of this assessment will be used to guide community health planning.

Pam Duitsman and Patrick Byers at MU Extension booth at the “Food Day Harvest Party.”

Another photo from the event is show below.

Continued on the next page

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated November 21, 2013

Nutrition Specialist Other Programming and Grant work during November: 

Chronic Disease Self-Management -- A six-week series to build quality of life, success at achieving health goals, and confidence for the participants. The workshop meets once each week for 2.5 hours, and helps participants to maintain “quality of life” when faced with chronic medical conditions.

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MU Extension Program Integration working meetings, to offer coordinated Health Systems programming in every county in Missouri. Meetings were held with faculty from University of Missouri Science and Technology (in Rolla) to explore partnerships and development of programs.

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Healthy Lifestyle Initiative in Lawrence County and in Christian County.

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Pam attended the Public Health Community of Practice Quality Improvement Conference in Memphis TN

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AFRI grant work: This grant pays for a significant amount of Pam’s salary, and is the focus of much of her work. In November, seven meetings were held, and multiple work projects were developed to assist successful formation and development of Food Policy Councils in the State of Missouri. Goal of the grant: increase community food security.

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One-on-one community contacts and communication in November: Telephone; e-mail; office visits for consultation and advisement: 28

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

Health Systems Presentation

Greene County Community members at the ORFPC presentation.

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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated November 21, 2013

Civic Communication Specialist and County Program Director

BY THE NUMBERS (for the month)  News Service Subscribers: 9,455 weekly  Requests for advisement: 7  Regular weekly news columns: 14  TV/Radio Interviews – 2  Total articles written this month – 37 TEAM WORK / PROGRAMS / GRANTS  Edited monthly “Reaching Out Report”  Updates to Greene County extension website  Working on three grant applications  Attended annual conference for Extension employees in Columbia, Mo. COUNTY PROGRAM DIRECTOR DUTIES  Financial review and oversight, travel authorizations, and budget work.  Attending relevant Park Board and Greene County Commission monthly meetings.  Submitted a proposal to County Commission to help set up and moderate a series of programs to educate county residents about county government and county finances. May also recommend a county Excel program as one option to develop county opinion leaders.

PROGRAMS  Working on details for annual soils and crops conference as well as Annie’s Project.  Working on a new curriculum for a business writing class that will be offered in 2014.

FUNDRAISING  New campaign kicked off with a fall mailing to past contributors and partners. Nearly $7,000 was collected the first two weeks.  We have also now had two cars donated.

SOCIAL MEDIA REACH (October 2013) These numbers represent the individuals reached during this month only via all of the regional extension social media tools: 172,887.

MO HISTORIC SCHOOLS ALLIANCE I am helping to plan and host the 2014 national conference of the Country School Association of America in St. Joe, Mo.

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

BOOKS FOR SALE ON AMAZON.COM The sale of my three books: “History of Rural Schools in Greene County,” “Driving Tour of One -Room Schools in the Ozarks” and “Using Social Media in Disaster Recovery” continue to gener- David Burton ate money for the local Civic communication office. This month I add- burtond@missouri.edu ed a new work book: “Newswriting for the Non-Journalist” which is written for community leaders and volunteers.

DOWNLOADS OF MY PUBLICATIONS NOW FOR SALE ON DISTRIBLY.COM I am making my most requested program publications available for purchase as PDF download through Distribly.com. All proceeds benefit Greene County Extension. Listed here are the names of the publications added this month.

Weather in Southwest Missouri -- Learn the trends found by studying 117 years of climate facts and trends in southwest Missouri.

Community Discussion About Fireworks— This guide has helped numerous communities decide how to best deal with fireworks.

A History of Me -- A book that asks the questions you need to answer to create a gift focused on your life history or the life of a loved one.

So You Own a One-Room School: Renovate or Replace? -- This publication answers common questions among owners of one-room schools.

Creating An Oral History Project -- Learn how to conduct an oral history project, get the forms required to produce and preserve a professional oral history, learn the dos and don’ts, and get two recommended lists of questions.

Media Basics for Community Leaders and Volunteers — In an easy to read format.

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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

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Family Nutrition Education Program Becky Roark  

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Republic WIC Clinic — 24 clients Well of Life Food Pantry — 251 Families Central Assembly Roark Food Pantry — 153 families McGregor Elementary (3 weeks) — 130 Kindergarten and 1st graders Fair Grove Elementary (3 weeks) —140 3rd and 4th graders Sherwood Elementary (1 week make-up) — 95 4th and 5th graders Holland Elementary (1 week make-up) — 105 3rd, 4th and 5th graders

Sherri Hull 

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Victory Mission Family Ministries Food Pantry – Display & Discussion about “Supersizing”; 125 Participants Republic WIC Clinic, lessons on “Food Safety.” 40 clients Begin series of lessons at Westport Elementary K-5th grade – 401 students

Hull

Wood

Nevatt

Marty Wood Willard WIC: Eating Smart, Being Active - 16 adults; Willard Food Pantry, Get Moving Display - 51 families; Pregnancy Care Center, Eating Smart, Being Active - 54 adults; Hand Extended Food Pantry, Eating on A Budget Display 75 families; Crosslines Food Pantry, Whole Grains Display - 82 families; Southwest Mo. Indian Center, Discretionary Calories Display - 42 families; Ritter Springs Head Start, Let’s Read About Healthy Eating - 120 children

Jenni Nevatt This month I had five participants in Price Cutter’s culinary class learning how to make half their grains whole. Five Missouri State University students attended an Eating Smart, Being Active class on Family Nutrition Education Program how to reduce food costs for 2160 W. Chesterfield Blvd. Suite F200 easy to prepare nutritious foods.

Chesterfield Village, Springfield, Mo. I began a series of lessons at the Tel: 417-886-2059 Early Childhood Center for Call the office to inquire about nutrition education. about 122 of Springfield Public School’s preschoolers. At Carver Middle school, 114 of the 6th and 7th grade students received lessons about MyPlate, how to choose healthy foods at fast food restaurants, and food safety.

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

DeFord

Edmondson

Williams Page 7

Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated November 21, 2013

Family Nutrition Education Program

Nutrition Educators Help at Ozarks Food Harvest Nutrition educators and staff with the University of Missouri Extension’s Family Nutrition Education Program spent the afternoon of Monday, Nov. 4 at Ozarks Food Harvest helping pack 8,726 pounds of food that provided 7,272 meals to low income children and families.

“I felt the MU Extension goal of helping to improve the lives of Missourians was well served by this endeavor,” said Terri Fossett, Southwest Region director for FNEP, Nutrition educators with the MU Extension’s Family Nutrition Education Program

serve almost every county in southwest Missouri, providing research-based nutrition education to area schools, farmers’ markets, health departments, senior centers and many food pantries, including those in the Ozarks Food Harvest Network.

In addition to providing reliable information about healthy eating the nutrition program helps low-income adults learn how to make their food budget last longer, which is really essential for many families right now.

Ozarks Food Harvest distributes food to 250 hunger relief organizations across 28 Ozarks counties.

Members of the Family Nutrition Education Program team working in the Southwest Region.

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated November 21, 2013

4-H Report for Greene County 4-H Leader Dawn O’Connor Nominated as one of the 40 Under 40 Honorees by Springfield Business Journal

By Geoff Pickle, web editor at SBJ Education: Bachelor’s in animal science, Missouri State University; professional horseman, American Quarter Horse Association; certified master riding instructor and facility accreditation.

Family: The Sac River Stables is family owned and operated. I am thankful to have my parents, husband of 13 years, Gavin O’Connor, my four children – Ella, Rory, Kian and Darley – along with my brother, sister-in-law and their two children.

Business approach Through a spiritual take on her equine business, Dawn O’Connor serves as a role model for children and young adults.

“I truly believe that being a positive Christian influence for all my students is my calling in life,” says O’Connor, who through Sac River Stables LLC, hosts up to 300 riders per week - including programs for Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. “I measure the success of my students by watching confidence and self-esteem grow in riders of all ages as they and their horse work together to become a team.”

Armed with a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Missouri State University, O’Connor manages a staff of seven and some 40 horses at her stables northwest of Springfield off of Kansas Expressway.

She requires the staff of the family-owned business to take the same care with horses and students. “I select riding instructors and staff that will be good role models for students and represent the stables in a professional manager,” O’Connor says. “I work with my staff to develop skills necessary to teach students, especially the young children, to work with animals effectively and to exhibit the discipline

Online at http://extension.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 such as decision making, communication, social interaction, civic responsibility and physical skills. Children 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 about the 4-H program at http://extension.missouri.edu/greene/4h.aspx

necessary to have patience when horses and students are not responding as requested.”

State Rep. Sonya Anderson, R-Springfield, a colleague of O’Connor’s in the equine industry, notes the business owner’s work ethic in keeping the stables steady in an unstable industry.

“I believe Dawn’s success comes from her strong work ethic, her love of horses and her willingness and patience to share her passion with others in hopes that their small interest will turn into a lifelong passion as well,” Anderson says.

O’Connor says she became acutely aware of her success in 2008, when a group of students nominated her horse Speed Wagon, also known as Opie, as a Certified Horsemanship Association School Horse of the Year, for which the animal took second place.

“In October 2009, at the age of 28, Opie moved on to greener pastures, but the memory of his dedication to the students and of that award will always stand as a testament to my proudest accomplishment, my students,” O’Connor says.

THE 4-H CONNECTION In 2001, O’Connor founded the Sac River 4-H Club, which started with only a few families but has grown to one of the largest in Greene County with more than 40 children enrolled.

“This club has been a wonderful opportunity for my students and other children in the county to increase their involvement in the community, Greene County and state activities,” she says.

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Horticulture Specialist Community Contact: TV and Radio  4 live interviews - KOLR10’s Chris Smith  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 – 29 for advisement  Office visits, professional contacts – 1 for consultation and advisement  Farm visits – 5 for consultation/advisement

Programs Presented: 

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“Building a Master Gardener Driven Diagnostic Clinic” (Poster), 2013 State Extension Conference, Columbia (10/29/13) “Commercial Potential for Tree Fruit Production,” 2013 Small Farm Today National Conference and Trade Show, Columbia (11/1/13) “Local and Regional Marketing Opportunities,” Granjeros y Rancheros workshop series for Latino farmers, Monett (11/10/13) “Home Winemaking,” Master Gardeners of Greene County chapter meeting, Springfield (11/12/13) “Spotted Wing Drosophila Cultural Controls,” Spotted Wing Drosophila ISE, Columbia (11/20/13) “Home Fruit Production,” Master Gardeners of the Ozarks core training, Branson West (11/21/13) “Home Fruit Production,” Master Gardeners of Christian County core training, Ozark (11/21/13)

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Planting party, Farmers Park demonstration orchard project, Springfield (10/26/13) Springfield Food Day Celebration display (with Pam Duitsman), Springfield (10/26/13) Master Gardeners of Greene County board meeting (11/4/13) Regional Food Safety on the Farm Conference (with Shon Bishop (LU) and Eileen Nichols (WCFM), Joplin (11/5-6/13); parallel workshops for English and Hmong language

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

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participants High Tunnel Construction Workshop (with Shon Bishop (LU)), Rocky Comfort (11/11/13) Planning meeting with MSU SFES staff, Mountain Grove (11/12/13) Patrick Byers Master Gardeners of Horticulture Greene County chap- byerspl@missouri.edu ter meeting (11/12/13) Springfield Plateau Master Naturalists board meeting, Springfield (11/14/13) Springfield Plateau Master Naturalists chapter meeting, Springfield (11/18/13) Spotted Wing Drosophila ISE, Columbia (11/20/13) Crop Scheduling Workshop, FMO Professional Development Series, Springfield (11/20/13) Horticulture soil test reports - recommendations and distribution for SW region – 22 reports during reporting period

Participated in: 

2013 Extension Annual Conference, Columbia (10/28-30/13)  2013 Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Annual Conference, Columbia (10/30-31/13)  AFRI Farmers Market project team meeting, Columbia (10/28/13)  “Vineyard Nutrition Management,” seminar at Grape Shortcourse, Columbia (10/29/13)  Extension Master Gardener Leadership Team meeting, Columbia (10/30/13)  Friends of the Garden retreat and meeting, Ozark (11/2/13)  MELD VI, Lake of the Ozarks (11/5-8/13)  Greene County Soil and Water Conservation District board meeting, Springfield (11/12/13)  FMO Fall Vendors Meeting, Springfield (11/12/13) Continued on the next page 12

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Horticulture Specialist Human interest:

Demonstration Garden at Farmers Park Development Patrick Byers, along with staff members of the Springfield Urban Agriculture Coalition, planted a demonstration orchard at the Farmers Park Development on Republic Road.

This orchard, which was funded from a donation from SUAC and funds from the development, includes 13 apple trees of disease resistant cultivars. In addition, the trees are grafted on disease resistant dwarfing rootstocks.

Assisting with the planting on Oct. 26 was an enthusiastic group of Missouri State University students. The orchard will be used as a demonstration site for home fruit production practices.

Food Safety on the Farm Includes Workshop for Hmong Regional – With funding support from Lincoln University, a Regional Food Safety on the Farm Conference was held November 5-6 in Joplin.

Track one of this two-day conference featured one of the nation’s top Food Safety trainers, Dr. Eliza-

beth Bihn, and her colleague Gretchen Wall, both of Cornell University. The first day included presentations on several food safety issues of immediate concern for farmers involved in direct marketing. Participants in the second day developed a food safety plan customized for their farm.

A parallel track in the workshop targeted Hmong farmers and was led by Michele Schermann and Pa Lee the Yang, both of the University of Minnesota. Many thanks to Shon Bishop (LU) and Eileen Nichols (Webb City Farmers Market) for leading this project.

Photos—At bottom: Students from MSU assist in planting the demonstration apple orchard at Farmers Park. At top of page: Pa Lee Yang, University of Minnesota, discusses the collection of a water sample for analysis with farmer Teng Yang

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

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Master Naturalists

Byers Writes Test for Regional Envirothon Won

by Students from Licking The 2013 Southwest Missouri Regional Envirothon was held Nov. 13 at the Springfield Nature Center. The Envirothon is a national competition that includes teams consisting of 5 students from grades 9-12. These teams compete at outdoor stations testing on aquatic ecology, soils/land use, forestry, wildlife, and a current environmental issue.

There is also an oral component with the students presenting their solution to the problem they were given concerning the current issue topic for the year. The current issue for 2013 was sustainable agriculture.

Patrick Byers was invited to write the test questions for the current issue for the 2013 regional test, and to then grade the tests after they were administered to the students.

The winning team was from Licking, with an impressive score of 99 out of 100 possible points. This team moves on to the state and hopefully national competitions!

The Missouri Master Naturalist Program results from a partnership created in 2004 between the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and MU Extension (MUE). These two organizations are the sponsors of the program at the state level. The Missouri Master Naturalist Program is recognized as a “named and branded” educational program within MU Extension. The MU School of Natural Resources is the academic home for the Program.

Learn more about the local chapter online at http://www.springfieldmasternaturalist.com Continued from page 10 

2013 Southwest Regional Envirothon, Springfield (11/14/13)  FOG garden committee and board meetings, Springfield (11/14/13)  PGMS monthly meeting, Springfield (11/15/13)  Great Plains Growers Conference planning meeting, teleconference (11/18/13)  Interviews for Lincoln University Farm Outreach Workers, Mount Vernon (11/19/13)  Upcoming programming  “Fireblight,” guest lecture for MSU Plant Pathology class, Springfield (11/12/13)  Pennington Seed Company turf classes (with Jill Scheidt), Greenfield (12/5, 12/5, 12/6, 12/12, 12/13, 12/19, 12/20)  Regional Food Safety on the Farm class, Springfield (12/6/13)  Safety on the Farm Workshop, 2013 Envirothon Licking HS: “The team from Licking High FMO Professional Development SeSchool earned the highest score, 99 of 100 possible points, in ries, Springfield (12/18/13) the Current Issue section of the 2013 Southwest Regional Envirothon competition.”

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

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Master Gardeners of Greene County New Horticulture Educator Working with Local Gardeners and Greene County Master Gardeners Members Kelly McGowan was recently hired with grant funds to assist the University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist in southwest Missouri (Patrick Byers) and to help the Master Gardeners of Greene County. This is what you need to know about this new horticulture assistant.

Name: Kelly McGowan, horticulture educator Headquartered in: Lawrence County at the Southwest Research Center Coverage area: Southwest Missouri Region

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 300 members. Learn more online at http:// extension.missouri.edu/greene/mastergardeners.aspx

Education Background: Bachelor of Science in horticulture from Missouri State University, Springfield.

Job Responsibilities: “One of my job responsibilities includes working with the Master Gardeners. I am in the process of coordinating the 2014 Core Training for the Greene County Chapter. I also assist the Master Gardener Hotline staff with calls, e-mails, and walk-ins as needed,” said McGowan. “Another part of my job is assisting Patrick Byers, our regional horticulture specialist, with developing and planning educational opportunities for the public.”

How does your work impact residents of southwest Missouri? “Part of the University of Missouri Extension’s mission is to provide relevant and reliable education to the public and my job as horticulture educator does just that,” said McGowan.

What are some goals you have for the coming year? “For 2014, I am developing an Organic Gardening Certificate Program. This will include a series of 10-12 classes. There is a lot of local interest in growing organically and the goal of

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

these classes is to provide interested people a great resource of scientifically based information,” said McGowan.

Is there a group you are targeting for your services? “My target group is people in this region who are interested or involved with gardening or farming,” said McGowan.

Where are residents of southwest Missouri most likely to see you? “I am currently dividing my time between the Southwest Research Center in Mount Vernon and the Greene County Extension Office located in the Botanical Center in Springfield,” said McGowan.

Contact Information: Kelly McGowan Telephone - (417) 466-2148 or (417) 881-8909 E-mail - mcgowank@missouri.edu

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Friends of Greene County Extension November 2013

Dear Supporters of Greene County Extension : 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 community development. Now you can make a positive impact on your community by giving monetarily to the Greene County Extension Center. Your gift will support Extension programs in Greene County during 2014. Donors like you also receive benefits from the local extension center and University of Missouri as a “Friend of Greene County Extension.”

Your gift is more important now than ever before. For the last three years we have received $10,000 from the County Commission for our office operations. Local funding from the county government has not been this low in Greene County since 1955. Thanks to donors who gave over $27,000 in cash and $11,000 of in-kind donations (November 2012 to September 2013) our office has remained opened and our educational programs have continued (even with reduced staff). Private donations made these Extension program successes possible during 2013: 

The Master Gardeners of Greene County reached over 2,000 county residents with horticulture information and contributed over 20,500 hours in volunteer service (valued at over $380,000) to the citizens of Greene County.

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The Greene County Extension Council became the first extension council in the state to write and implement a business plan to guide future operations and funding efforts.

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Greene County Extension reached over 200,000 Ozarkers a week with Extension research and information in print, via email, on radio and television and online.

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Our nutrition assistants introduced new, healthy, nutritious and affordable foods to over 25,000 county residents this year. Nearly 18,000 of those were youth at area schools.

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Nutrition specialists worked with 15 area child care centers during 2013 to introduce new nutrition standards through MU Extension’s Eat Smart Certification program.

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Our urban and housing development specialist worked with students at Drury to develop a neighborhood plan for the Rountree Community in Springfield.

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Our nutrition specialist has served in a leadership role for the Ozark Food Policy Council which is working to ensure access to healthy nutritious food for all Greene County citizens, regardless of socio-economic status.

Continued on the next page Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

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Friends of Greene County Extension Continued from the previous page 

The MU Extension business specialist working in Greene County has served 174 people and their companies with business start-up and management counseling, training, and other assistance during 2013. Her efforts have resulted in 59 new jobs and nine new businesses.

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Greene County Extension’s Master Naturalists chapter has 63 active members who contributed 5,956 volunteer hours (valued at $111,972) to the community last year. Their efforts have resulted in community gardens, new trails, improved parks and school gardens.

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Greene County 4-H has about 200 active youth members and 98 volunteers who contributed over 9,800 hours to 4-H (that time is valued at over $184,000). Clubs in this county can boast of members who have won state, regional and national 4-H competitions this year.

Members of the Greene County Extension Council have contributed to the “Friends of Greene County Extension” campaign. Now, it is your turn to help us reach our goal of $30,000 during the 2013-2014 program year. You will find a brochure enclosed that provides details about how you can make a tax deductible gift to Greene County Extension. We have also enclosed a sheet of testimonies regarding the impact of Greene County Extension on our local community.

Sincerely,

David L. Burton Civic Communication Specialist County Program Director

Carl Allison Chairman Greene County Extension Council

PS: For many years in MU Extension financial classes we have taught adults to “save some, spend some and share some.” This campaign is your opportunity to “share some” with county residents by supporting Greene County Extension with an annual gift.

PSS: Write your check and send your donation today! Due to budget cuts, this may be our only opportunity to ask for your gift and your only opportunity to give for the next 12 months.

Now, it is also possible to give online at https://donatetomu.missouri.edu/Extension/

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

Page 15

Donation period runs from October 1 to Sept. 30

2014 Contributors to “Friends of Greene County Extension�

Patron Level William & Virginia Darr George Deatz Friends of the Garden

Sponsor Level Anonymous Donor Jim & Nancy Tucker

Contributor Level Carl Allison Ramona Burton Dr. Greenthumb/Greg Peterson Family Ann Hall Gaylen & Dedra Jones Randall & Linda Sheridan

Friends Level Shelby Bradley Bob Cirtin Mary Gallagher Avis Holloway Jeff Jones Lee & Julie Viorel

An equal opportunity/ADA institution

Total Cash Contributed: $6752.15

Associate Level Mr./Mrs. David Bailey Robert & Jana Belk Mardell Bontrager Crystal Quade Harrison Farm Fred & Elaine Hamburg William Hosman Cathy & Alex Primm Stewart Farm Elizabeth & Paul Taylor Randy Underwood

Donation period for our “annual fund” year runs from October 1 to Sept. 30.

2013 Contributors to “Friends of Greene County Extension” Corporate Level Sanford & Assoc. CPA

Friends Level

Carl Allison Clydette Alsup Egbers Master Gardeners of Judy Averett Greene County Lisa & John Bakerink The Beauty Shop Meyer Mark & Renae Communications— Bernskoetter KWTO and KTXR Judith Bradley American Business Ramona Burton Systems Donna Carney Carr Stock Farms, LLC Sunshine Valley Farm Bob Childress — Jan and Robert & Brenda Cirtin Michael Wooten Debbie & Stephen Benefactor Level Collins Greene County Soil & Charles Edmonson Water ConservaBillie Sue Fuller tion District Board James Garton Dr. Greenthumb of Patron Level Springfield LLC Harold Bender David Hall Major and Marthe Marjorie Harris Close Debi Hunget Jack Crabb Richard Jarvis George Deatz Joe Jenkins Sharon DeRubis Jeffrey Jones Gaylen and Deborah Sponsor Level Jones Anonymous Dr. Douglas Jones David & Stacey Burton Mary Joplin David & Nancy Ann Kynion Chambers Peter Longley Home Pride Inc. Darlene Nave Jack Kaiser Dellene Nelson Old Missouri Bank / Larry Nelson Billy Claiborn Nosegay Garden Club — Yvette Platz Contributor Level Larry & Nancy O'Reilly Harold Bengsch Barbara Parker Joyce Brown Ryan & Kelly Patterson Marla Calico Carolyn Schirmer Linda Deatz Howard Schwartz Dalen & Pam Duitsman Sheryl Shaefer Ann Hall Jim Shelledy Main Street Feeds Mike Sidebottom Darrell & Danette Paula Vinson Proctor David & Glenda Welde Race Brothers Farm Leslie Wilde Supply Gail Wright

Partner Level Anonymous Dan Cardwell Robert Crankshaw Mr. and Mrs. Rex Conway Fraley Dayle Enderson Rae Ann Feemster Barbara Kipfer James Mauldin Frieda Morris Albert & Nancy Niewald Betty Shook Patsy Spindler Mr. & Mrs. Randy Underwood Paula Vinson Rebecca Willis Wannagetta Pizza

Associate Level Doris Adams Marilyn Anderson Ted Anderson Cynthia Arrowood Jennifer Baldwin Diann Barth Julia Boyce Malia Bucher Pat Buton Wanda Bumgarner Sherry Clifton Steven Counts/DPI Printing Oscar Cross Barbara Dickensheet George Freeman Patsy Fry Rob & Brenda Funkhouser Cindy Garner James Garton Don & Sandy Garoutte Dorothy Hilton Avis Holloway

Roberta Jones Kenny Knauer Sandra Letson Dewayne Long Karen McDonald Fred & Dorothy Miller Lisa Munkatchy Edie Nelson Ruth PenaherreraNorton Stephen & Tana Pulles Crystal Ramos Kathryn Redman Reva Roberson Wanda Simpkins Mike & Dianne Six Jeanie Skibiski Kathryn Steinhoff Carol Stephenson Paul Taylor Gene Thomas Patricia Tursi Charles Wallace Alan & Pat Ware John & Lorri Winters A. Lee Worman Circle B Ranch Echigo Farm Fassnight Creek Farm Farm Road 168 Happy Mouth Foods Katiemade Breads Landers Meats Mockingbird Gardens Ozark Natural Foods Quickley Produce Farm Sunny Lane Farms Sassie Sharons Terrell Creek Farm Urban Roots Farm Yang Family Farm Williams Creek Winery Mother's Brewery

An equal opportunity/ADA institution

Total Cash Raised: $27,662 * Total In-Kind Raised: $11,576

Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated November 21, 2013

Corporate Sponsors      

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Sanford and Associates, CPA, Springfield, Mo.: (417) 886-2220, Master Gardeners of Greene County: http://www.mggreene.org Meyer Communications, KWTO 560 AM / KTXR 101.3 FM: (417) 862-3751, American Business Systems, Springfield, Mo.: (417) 866-5083, www.ambussys.com Sunshine Valley Farm, 8125 E State Highway AD, Rogersville, ph (417) 753-2698 Springfield-Greene County Park Board, 1923 North Weller, Springfield, Mo. 65803, Ph 417-864-1049, www.parkboard.org Greene County Commission, 868-4112

Extension Partner Meetings st

rd

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

Meetings held in Historic Courthouse, Room 212, 940 Boonville, Springfield, at 9:30 a.m.

Park Board Meetings: The Board of Directors meet the second Friday of each month at 8:30 a.m., usually in the Parks Administrative Offices Board Room, 1923 N. Weller, Springfield, MO

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.

65803. Call 417-864-1049 in advance to confirm.

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.

Master Gardeners of Greene County— board meeting: First Monday of each month at 4:00 p.m. at the Botanical Center.

Master Naturalists Board Meetings: The board meets at 5:30pm 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.

Can I Help?

Lorri can help customers with material needs, soil tests or program registrations. Contact her at the Greene County Extension Center, (417) 881-8909.

Lorri Winters joined Extension in 2005.

Lorri Winters Office Manager

Videos on YouTube Learn more about MU Extension programs by watching the videos posted to our channel at www.youtube.com/MUExtension417.

On Facebook Become a fan of MUExtension417 and 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 and Greene County Commission. For more about this report contact the editor, David Burton, at (417) 881-8909.

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