“Reaching Out Report” the Greene County Extension Newsletter 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, Mo. 65807 Email: greeneco@missouri.edu * Tel: (417) 881-8909
January 2015 * Vol. 8, Issue 1
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Upcoming events … pages 2-3 Kelly McGowan and Master Gardeners… page 4 4-H Report … page 5 Pam Duitsman… page 6 Nutrition program… Pages 7-8 David Burton … page 9 Patrick Byers … pages 10 Friends & Sponsors… page 11-12
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.
Nutrition Education on Public Schools Sherri Hull (pictured above) is a nutrition program associate with University of Missouri Extension who gives nutrition-related programs at area public schools. She and her co-workers in Greene County have many success stories from their local work. Read two of those success stories this month on page 8.
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 January 23, 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.
Feb. 9– Winter Seed Sowing by Missy Sanford Feb. 16– Hay Bale Gardening by Mark Bernskoetter Feb. 23– Worm Composting ,Kelly McGowan 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 mggreene.org
Master Gardener Plant Sale Saturday April 25, 2015, will be the 18th annual Master Gardeners of Greene County plant sale. It starts at 7:30 a.m. and ends at 11:30 a.m. or when everything is sold. Cash or check only. The sale will be held at Springfield Botanical Garden Center, 2400 S. Scenic in Springfield. Master Gardeners will be on site to answer questions. Visit www.mggreene.org or call 881-8909, ext. 320 for more information.
Give Ozarks Campaign May 5 The first “Give Ozarks” one-day online fundraising event will be held May 5, 2015, and the Greene County Extension Council is taking part. Donors will be able to contribute online the day of the event (or by mail the week before) as part of this one-day “online telethon.” Greene County Extension has set a goal to raise $5,000 for its new Endowment.
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 January 23, 2015
Selected Upcoming Extension Events in Greene County
“Seeds of Prosperity” Event Friday, February 6 from 8 am to 3:30 pm. Registration begins at 7:30. This seminar is part of the three day MOA Conference. Cost to attend this one day session is $75 and includes lunch. Register online: www.moaconference.org/moaconference-registration . For more information, please contact Clarissa Hatley at the Greene County Extension Center 417-881-8909.
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 417831-5246, ext. 3 for information or visit the website at www.springforageconference.com.
Greene County Extension Council Annual Meeting The Greene County Extension Council’s Annual Meeting at the Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center starting at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 23, 2015. All council members and “Friends of Greene County Extension” are able to attend free-of-charge and the meeting includes a catered meal. At this time, the newly elected members of the county extension council will be sworn in to office. We will hear a 30-year anniversary report from members of the Master Gardeners of Greene County. The 2014 Annual Report for the extension council will be distributed. And the vision for 2015 will be discussed. Council will also recognize four individuals with the Leader’s Honor Roll award.
Young Sprouts in the Garden Date: Saturday, May 16, 2015 Time: 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. 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.
Greene County Master Gardener Training This Orientation is required to attend the MG Training sessions that will begin on Tuesday, February 17. Classes will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from February 17 thru April 2 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Greene County Extension Office located inside the Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center. Cost for the Master Gardener training is $150 per person or $255 for a couple. To register, call Greene County Extension at 881-8909.
Private Pesticide Applicator 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 for $12 and pay a small materials fee for a total class fee of $18. Pre-registration is required by March 2. For more information and to pre-register, call the Greene County Extension office at 417-881-8909.
93rd Annual Greene County Soils and Crops Conference This annual event begins with dinner at 5:45 p.m., Monday, March 16 at the Springfield Livestock Center. This is held in partnership with Greene County Soil and Water Conservation District. See our county website for details: http://extension.missouri.edu/greene.
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
Greene County “Reaching Out” Report
Last Updated January 23, 2015
Master Gardeners of Greene County Member Spotlight:
Margo Shull When did you join Master Gardeners and why? I took the class in 2007 under Gaylord Moore. I wanted to know more about growing flowers and vegetables. What kind of gardening background do you have? Both of my grandfathers had vegetable gardens. My paternal grandmother and grandfather owned a farm when I was young. I loved it on the farm, being outside; picking fresh fruits and veggies and eating them. I grew up with the farm to table concept. What is your favorite thing about Master Gardeners of Greene County? I continue to learn about gardening through my interactions with fellow Master Gardeners and programs offered through our chapter. What is one of your favorite growing tips that you would like to share? I don’t have a favorite tip-I would just say to keep in mind the weather-our friend and foe. Reminder-the strong winds we have so often here in SWMO can add to the loss of soil moisture. What are a couple of your favorite plants? This is a difficult question for me. I love Ornamental Grasses and succulents….and everything in between. Anything else about yourself you would like to share? I am at peace when I’m gardening.
Online at http://extension.missouri.edu
Upcoming Events
February 9: Potting Shed University: Winter Seed Sowing. February 10: MG Monthly Chapter Meeting 6 p.m. -8 Kelly McGowan Horticulture Educator p.m. at Botanical University of Missouri Center. Extension mcgowank@missouri.edu February 16: Potting Shed University: Straw Bale Gardening. February 17: 1 pm first class of 2015 core training for new members. February 25: Potting Shed University: Worm Composting. February 27-March 1: Booth at Lawn and Garden Show
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 chapters website at http://www.mggreene.org.
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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report
Last Updated January 23, 2015
4-H Report for Greene County
In Their Own Words: What 4-H Members in Greene County are Learning 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.
“In 4-H, I have learned that making good choices always will benefit the club, community, country and world.”
“The lessons that I have learned in 4-H that have made a difference in my life are: a sense of responsibility, work ethic, and perseverance.”
“My listening skills have improved greatly through 4-H. So have my skills in the area of leading groups effectively, running meetings, putting my thoughts in writing, as well as simply chatting and making a new member feel welcome.”
“While doing this project, I learned how much these soldiers do for our country, and how much they should be appreciated. I realized that the freedoms in our country are definitely not free.”
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.
“In dairy judging, I have learned the importance of decision-making, placing a class in 15 minutes isn’t always easy. I have gained skills in public speaking and explaining my thinking, and this will be valuable in any path I take in life.”
“I went from sitting in the back to leading the meeting. I went from being a scared new member to a confident leader.”
“Through 4-H community service, I learned that the amount you give doesn’t matter. The effort you put “4-H has helped me in many ways. It has honed my leadership skills, boosted into the giving will affect both you as the giver and my confidence, and prothe receiver, whoever they vided me with opportunimay be.” “Here’s the beauty in 4-H ties.” – it’s not always about the “In dairy I have learned the awards, but the hard value of sportsmanship, being a graceful winner is just as work, life skills learned, important as being a graceful the laughs, the memories, loser. I have learned what reand the personal victories, sponsibility really is, taking initiative and doing what needs like believing in your own to be done, and doing it corability, that makes everyrectly.”
thing worthwhile.”
Contact 4-H Youth Development Specialist Karla Deaver at the Lawrence County Extension office by telephone at 417/466-3102 or by email at deaverk@missouri.edu.
Online at http://extension.missouri.edu
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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report
Last Updated January 23, 2015
Nutrition and Food Policy Seeds of Prosperity: Economic Development through Local Food “Local Food as a Driver for Economic Development” is the focus of a conference Pam has been working on during January. The conference is Feb. 6 at the Missouri Organic Association annual conference held at University Plaza Convention Center in Springfield. The focus of this day-long session will be on Food Hub development for the SW region of Missouri, and the surrounding Ozarks community. The public is invited to attend (see page 3 for details). Pam and a team from MSU are administering a Food Hub Feasibility study during January and February. The study is designed to assess needs and readiness of both buyers and growers/producers to establish a Food Hub in this area of Missouri. Health Insurance Education Initiative Pam is working with the SW MO community marketplace partnership to provide coordinated programing to reach audiences in Greene and surrounding counties. Ozarks Regional Food Policy Council ORFPC is a forum for representatives of the local food system, and those wanting to be engaged in strengthening our local food system. The council provides a framework for addressing and providing solutions to issues like food production, processing, distribution, consumption, waste disposal, etc. This month focused on Economic Development, and Food Hub design. Voices for Food: a USDA Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Grant: During January, Pam worked to establish two Food Policy Councils, developed budget processes and forms; and met with many community leaders to launch community initiatives to assist rural communities in addressing Community Food Insecurity.
This work is being done in collaboration with five other states in the North Central Region of Cooperative Extension. Other Programming/grant work in January: Duitsman MU Extension Program Integration Health Systems core team work to provide Mental Health programming to county constituents and develop new cross-state programming. Worked with CERT team to provide a hot meal for the Homeless Healthy Lifestyle Initiative: Youth Iron Chef event planning, and ongoing community planning meetings. News articles: Food Hubs boost Economic Development Alcohol and Sleep Don’t Mix Healthy Benefits of Beans Coming in February: In Partnership with CoxHealth and Mercy: Chronic Disease Self-Management 6week course in Springfield – Outcomes of this class include: Improvement of health outcomes and reduction of health care utilization Decreased activity limitations and depression symptoms Improved communication with health care provider Improvements in quality of life, fatigue and sleep problems Improvements in pain and shortness of breath A significant improvement in ER visits and hospitalization
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
Last Updated January 23, 2015
Family Nutrition Education Program Becky Roark In January, I am finishing a series of lessons at the following schools: McGregor Elementary (K—1st), 124 students Willard North Elementary (K, 1st and 2nd), 195 students Bingham Elementary (2nd ), 75 Roark students These children have been learning about food groups on “MyPlate” and why eating healthy is important for our bodies. Food Pantries: Well of Life—200 families served Central Assembly Food Pantry—119 families served Adults: Sherri and I are team teaching a group of young women at Ashley’s House, formally known as regional girls shelter. They are getting ready to move out on their own, so we are giving them information to live healthy lives.—7 participants.
Sherri Hull
Wood
Nevatt
Hand Extended Food Pantry, Eating Smart and Being Active, 63 families Crosslines Food Pantry, Display, 2035 families Southwest Mo. Indian Center Display, 22 families Little Sunshine Preschool, Let’s Read About Healthy Eating Children, 20 adults Harter House-Strafford, Display, Adults 70 People Helping People Food Pantry, Display, 31 families
Jenni Nevatt This month I will return to Reed and Carver middle schools in Springfield to work with the 6th8th grade students in this quarter’s Health classes. A total of 110 students at Reed middle school were able to determine their daily calorie needs and create a full day’s worth of healthy meals, snacks, and drinks. I will work with approximately 105 students at Carver middle school the last week of the month.
Completed series of lessons for Willard South Elementary PreK – 4th, 448 students Began series of lessons for Sequiota Elementary K-3rd grade, 243 students Began series of lessons for Mann Elementary K-1st grade, 148 students Began series of lessons for Ashley’s House (Regional Girls Shelter), 7 participants Victory Mission Family Ministries Food Pantry – Display and Family Nutrition Education Program Discussion about 2160 W. Chesterfield Blvd. Suite F200 “Supersizing,” 204 families Chesterfield Village, Springfield, Mo.
Tel: 417-886-2059 * http://missourifamilies.org
Marty Wood
Hull
Willard WIC, Eating Smart and Being Active, Adults 31 Willard Food Pantry, Display, 38 families Pregnancy Care Center, Eating Smart and Being Active, Adults 47
Fossett Online at http://extension.missouri.edu
DeFord
Edmondson
Williams Page 7
Greene County “Reaching Out” Report
Last Updated January 23, 2015
Nutrition Programming
Nutrition Success Stories Becky Roark, a nutrition program associate in Greene County wrote: “For summer school, we taught a handwashing/germ lesson to children going into Kindergarten and 1st grades. The kids enjoyed the germ puppet and the book and we practiced washing hands for 20 seconds. The bathrooms were down the hall from us, so later in the day we heard the kids counting to 20. I took a peak into the girls’ bathroom and sure enough, they were scrubbing away! The next week several teachers told us that their students had really been concerned about doing a good job washing those germs away! One teacher even said she didn’t have to remind her class to wash after bathroom breaks—they just were doing it on their own.” Sherri Hull, a nutrition program associate in Greene County wrote: I use many different Show-Me Nutrition Education Displays at the Victory Mission Family Ministries Food Pantry. One that seems to get a lot of reaction is “The Supersizing of America” – many people will chat with me about the information. A few weeks after having that display up, a woman came over to talk to me about how the data on the amount of fat that is in some fast food items had really stuck with her. She said that after talking with me about how to find information on the amount of fat in fast food, that she had been doing some research on her own and could easily check on the amount of fat in her favorite fast food sandwiches and fries or chips. Since then, she had decided that it would be better, for her health and her wallet, to pack her lunch and eat out less often.
Online at http://extension.missouri.edu
Nutrition Staff Member Celebrates 25 Years Cindy Edmondson was honored for 25 years of service to University of Missouri Extension during an MU Extension training session on Jan. 12. Edmondson started working with MU Extension on Jan. 2, 1990 as the Administrative Assistant for the Family Nutrition Education Program in Southwest Missouri. In that role she manages resources and policies for Edmondthe 30 or more nutrition associates that serve in southwest Missouri. University of Missouri Extension’s nutrition education helps to reduce health care costs. Over $1.5 million in federal funds is invested each year for teaching southwest Missouri families healthy eating habits and that education results in an estimated annual reduction of $13.1 million in future medical costs. Jenni Nevatt, nutrition program associate, wrote: After three lessons in a Boys and Girls Club of Springfield, a twelve year old boy approached me after a Kids in the Kitchen lesson. He shared with me that he had been using the information he gained in the lessons to help his mom and older brother make healthier food choices. They were excited to use their EBT card for seeds and had even stopped by a local farmers market to check it out. In addition to the healthier foods, they came up with a list of fun physical activities to do together in the evenings.
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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report
Last Updated January 23, 2015
Civic Communication Specialist and County Program Director BY THE NUMBERS (for the month) News Service Subscribers: 10,221 weekly Requests for advisement: 18 Regular weekly news columns: 22 TV/Radio Interviews – 5 Total articles written this month – 48
ANNUAL REPORT The “new look” 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.
SOCIAL MEDIA REACH (Nov 2014): Individuals engaged this month on various MU Extension Facebook pages: 22,567. Added 7 videos to YouTube this month. Our MUExteision417 channel continues to David Burton get over 110,000 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.
Funding Updates
Council Election Results
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
The Greene County Commission has finalized its 2015 budget and approved funding for Greene County Extension Council at $27,000. It is possible to donate vehicles to Greene County Extension and our partners at CoPart. The donor gets a charity deduction and once the vehicle sells, Extension gets needed funds. Call the office at 881-8909.
Annual Meeting Greene County Extension Council’s annual meeting — which includes swearing in of new council members, a meal, a 30th anniversary of Master Gardeners of Greene County presentation, and recognition of Honor Roll Awards — will be held Feb. 23 at the Botanical Center.
The citizens of Greene County have elected six new members to the University of Missouri Extension Council for Greene County. The final day of the election was Jan. 23. These six new council members will serve a two year term on the council: Mary “Susie” Joplin, Springfield, Mo.; Matthew Simpson, Springfield, Mo.; Catherine Banks, Springfield, Mo.; Peter Longley, Springfield, Mo.; Randy Bakerink, Springfield, Mo.; Jim Garton, Springfield, Mo. Two empty seats still remain to be filled. County Extension Council elections are held pursuant to the provisions of Missouri State Law. The elected and appointed members of the county extension council guide and direct extension work within the county.
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
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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report
Last Updated January 23, 2015
Horticulture Specialist Community Contact: TV and Radio 3 live interviews with KOLR10’s John Ziegler (1 delivered by Kelly McGowan, 1 by Master Gardener Terry Newport) 5 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 Email contacts – 22 contacts Office visits, professional contacts – 1 for consultation and advisement Farm site visits – 4 for consultation
Programs Presented:
“Home Fruit Production,” Master Gardener core training, Barry County Master Gardeners, Cassville (1/6/15) Coordinate berry sessions at Great Plains Growers Conference, St. Joe (1/8/15-1/10/15) “Update on the Midwest Small Fruit and Viticulture Spray Guide,” Great Plains Growers Conference, St. Joseph (1/10/15) “Food Safety Issues for Berry Producers,” Great Plains Growers Conf., St. Joe (1/10/15) “Current Issues in Food Hubs and Farmers” panel, Food Hub Conf., Mt. Grove (1/13/15) “Getting Started in Produce Farming for Profit,” Webster County Diversified Agriculture Conference, Marshfield (1/17/15)
Coordinated:
Master Gardeners of Greene County board meeting, Springfield (1/5/15) Master Gardeners of Greene County chapter meeting, Springfield (1/13/15) Certified Naturally Grown peer review for Urban Roots Farm, Springfield (1/14/15) Springfield Plateau Master Naturalists board meeting, Springfield (1/14/15) Mentoring activities with Robert Balek, MU Extension regional horticulture specialist Horticulture soil tests - recommendations for SW region – 15 reports during this period
Online at http://extension.missouri.edu
Participated in:
Taney County Christmas Bird Count (with Master Naturalists), Forsyth (12/27/14) Great Plains Growers Conference, St. Joseph (1/8/15-1/10/15) Greene County Soil and Water ConservaPatrick Byers tion District board, Horticulture Springfield (1/13/15) byerspl@missouri.edu and special personnel meeting (1/20/15) Missouri Grown curriculum development adobe connect (1/22/15)
Upcoming programming and events
“The Secrets of Saving Seeds,” Public Library presentations, Springfield (1/31/15) “Field Identification and Management Strategies of Common Diseases in Small Fruits Production” and “Pawpaw Production for Missouri Farmers,” Missouri Organic Association Conference, Springfield (2/7/15) “Building a Market for Specialty Crops: Elderberry” and “Forward to the Fundamentals with Blueberries,” Gateway Fruit and Vegetable Conference, Edwardsville, IL (2/10/15) “Low Water Landscaping,” Master Gardeners of Laclede County, Lebanon (2/12/15) “Food Safety from Farm to Fork” and “Irrigation Food Safety,” Food Safety Workshop, Houston (2/13/15) “Extension Programming Opportunities for Independent Garden Centers,” BWI meeting, Springfield (2/18/15) “Home Fruit Production,” Jasper County Master Gardeners, Carthage (2/19/15) “The 2014 Farm Bill and Horticultural Producers,” Webb City Farmers Market annual membership meeting, Webb City (2/21/15) “Getting Started in Bramble Production” workshop, North American Raspberry and Blackberry Association annual conference, Fayetteville AR (2/24/15-2/27/15)
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Donation period runs from November 1, 2014 to Oct. 31, 2015
2015 Contributors to “Friends of Greene County Extension” Glenn Blake Shelby Bradley David & Stacey Burton Ramona Burton Carr Stock Farms Alice Counts Johnny Davis George Deatz Barb Decker Jim Eckhoff Ann Hall Carl Hathcock Avis Holloway Rebecca Hoy Galen Jones Dr. Jeff Jones Fred & Dorothy Miller Dean & Jackie Morgan Edie Nelson Benjamin Newville Don Nicholson Minuen Odom Ryan Lawn & Tree Dale & Carrie Sanders Matthew Simpson Jeanie Skibiski Virginia Snyder Stephen & Sally Taylor Ronald & Sue Terry
Gene Wallace Springfield Watergarden Society David & Glenda Welde Robin & Brenda Funkhouser Malia Bucher Lamont Nelson Gale Edwards Master Gardeners of Greene County Sanford, Lea and Associates, CPA
Friends of Greene County Extension Since 1914, Greene County residents have sought help in agriculture, gardening, 4H 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. To learn how you can help by contributing go to extension.missouri.edu/greene or call (417) 881-8909.
Total Contributed: Cash = $11,332
Extension Class Enhances Life of 108 Year Old During December, Dr. Jim Wirth, human development specialist for MU Extension, taught a program in at LIFT (Learning is Fun Together) which is held monthly at Wesley United Methodist Church—St. Paul campus, 413 E. Walnut, Springfield. But on Dec. 17, 2014, the group celebrated the 108th birthday of Mary Mahy. She is a regular attendee at the programs and her daughter brings her. “Her mind is sharp as a tack, she hears well with hearing aids, and only this year can't read. These programs have given her an enhanced quality of life because they also have developed into a caring community of sorts who look after each other,” said Wirth. Attendance at the weekly programs has averaged 30. The programs are offered every Fall and Spring and Wirth helps to plan them and gives at least one program each session. Pictured below is Dr. Wirth with Mary Mahy on her 108th birthday.
Greene County “Reaching Out” Report
Last Updated January 23, 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/ Sunshine Valley Farm, 8125 E State Highway AD, Rogersville, ph. (417) 753-2698, http://www.sunshinevalleyfarm.com/ 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