September 2015

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

September 2015 *

Vol. 8, Issue 9

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Financial Scorecard… pages 2 Upcoming events … pages 3 Pam Duitsman… page 4-5 Nutrition program… page 6 David Burton … pages 7 Patrick Byers … pages 8-9 Master Naturalists … page 10 Kelly McGowan … page 11 4-H Report … page 12-14 Renette Wardlow … page 15 Jeff Barber … page 16 Council & Misc News… page 17 Friends & Partners… page 18

Subscribe Now! Become a subscriber and receive a monthly email with the direct link for reading the “Reaching Out Report” online. Send your request by email to burtond@missouri.edu.

“Best of the Best” in Greene County Matt Bowie and Cara Driskell were named the “Best of the Best” in Greene County 4-H during the regional 4-H Pie Auction and Cake Wars hosted by the Greene County 4-H Foundation Sept. 20. Learn more about the fundraiser on page 13. Read the entry form answers from from Bowie and Driskell on page 11 and 12. The Greene County 4-H Foundation partners with Greene County Extension to support local 4-H programs and members.

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 September 25, 2015

Greene Game of Business Greene County Extension Scorecard – September 2015 Income 0100 · Student Fees 0210 · County Appropriations 0400 · Gift/Grants/Contracts

YTD #s Budget # DIFF OWNER $12,385.77 $5,035.00 -$7,350.77 K. McGowan $19,660.00 $27,000.00 $7,340.00 David Burton $16,485.00 $25,000.00 $8,515.00 R. Wardlow McGowan/ Byers 0900 · Resales/Fees/Soil Tests $8,056.00 $2,500.00 -$5,556.00 $0.00 $2,400.00 $2,400.00 David Burton 2100 - Postage Allotment $2,800.00 $3,000.00 $200.00 M. Black 2600 - MCHP Subsidy $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 M. Black 1600 - Balance Transfers $59,386.77 $64,935.00 $5,548.23 Total Income Expense $21,534.11 $32,989.00 $11,454.89 M. Black 2700 · Personnel - Wages $8,223.53 $6,956.00 -$1,267.53 M. Black 2800 · Payroll Expenses $4,053.14 $6,000.00 $1,946.86 P. Duitsman 3100 · Travel $1,217.31 $2,400.00 $1,182.69 M. Black 3600 · Postage $1,172.44 $1,000.00 -$172.44 C. Hatley 3700 · Telephone Service $1,219.00 $2,000.00 $781.00 Jeff Barber 3900 · Advertising $1,015.24 $1,000.00 -$15.24 D. Burton 4700 · Publishing/Printing $125.47 $200.00 $74.53 D. Burton 4800 · Reproduction/Copies $3,971.03 $2,500.00 -$1,471.03 M. Black 5100 · Supplies/Services $537.50 $500.00 -$37.50 R. Wardlow 5110 · Annual Meeting $0.00 $1,000.00 $1,000.00 David Burton 6400 - Contract Services $400.00 $350.00 -$50.00 M. Black 6800 - Insurance $0.00 $1,100.00 $1,100.00 R. Wardlow 7010 - Ext. Council Election $2,608.00 $1,500.00 -$1,108.00 Patrick Byers 7100 · Soil Test Expenses $996.00 $500.00 -$496.00 Patrick Byers 7200 · Publications for Resale $1,692.28 $1,740.00 $47.72 David Burton 7300 · Repairs/Maintenance $913.78 $1,200.00 $286.22 Jeff Barber 7700 - Furniture / Equipment $3,386.63 $2,000.00 -$1,386.63 7999 - Fee Generation MU Staff Total Expense NET INCOME

$53,065.46 $64,935.00 $11,869.54 $ 6,321.31 $0.00 -$6,321.31

Forecast

Forecast Actuals $3,550.00 $2,111.25 $2,250.00 $2,250.00 $750.00 $100.00 $350.00 $0.00 $700.00 $0.00 $7,600.00

$822.00

$5,283.25

$2,080.00 $1,027.94 $450.00 $200.00 $276.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $225.00 $0.00 $300.00 $350.00 $0.00 $100.00 $50.00 $260.00 $995.00

$2,184.00 $511.64 $287.79 $150.00 $449.68

$1,400.00

$351.63

$7,713.94

$6,049.51

-$113.94

-$766.26

$211.52

$400.00 $419.00 $170.47 $913.78

Our Critical Number this year is “Net Income” and our goal is to finish the year in the black (positive balance) so those funds can be applied toward additional programs in the 2016 budget.

Key Drivers for finances Soil tests done in 2015 Total # of donors in 2015

YTD

BUDGET

DIFF

261

320

-59

94

150

-56

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated September 25, 2015

Selected Upcoming Extension Events in Greene County Small Steps to Health and Wealth: Coming to Springfield on October 8, 2015: SSHW encourages participants to make positive behavior changes to simultaneously improve their health and personal finances. Fact sheets are used that describe linkages between health and personal finances and over 20 specific behavior change strategies for better health and increased wealth.

Participants learn to set goals; identify small steps to reach those goals; and monitor their progress .

Call Pam Duitsman at 881-8909 for details.

Exploring 4-H (Urban Club) MU Extension and Springfield-Greene County Parks staff are offering an opportunity for youth to explore a variety of 4-H projects and experiences as part of an urban group. This new program is open to children age: 8 to 13.

Activities begin at 4 p.m. on Oct. 21 and will be held the 3rd Wednesday of every month. $25 for 4H enrollment in 4-H. Learn more online at http://extension.missouri.edu/greene.

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

Extension Booth at Farm Fest Farm Fest will be in Springfield at the Ozark Empire Fair, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, Oct. 2 to Sunday, Oct. 4. Agricultural Extension specialists will provide information and advice to producers on agriculture topics, and display a booth covering haying system management.

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.

Scaling Up to Meet the Demand for Local Food is Topic of the “Seeds of Prosperity” Program in Springfield Nov. 5-7 “Scaling Up to Meet the Demand for Local Food” will be held at the SpringfieldGreene County Botanical Center; 2400 Scenic Ave., Springfield. The first day is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday Nov. 5. Day two is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 6 with the program on the last day being from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Nov. 7.

The first two days of this workshop will focus on specific education for producers to enable them to scale up successfully. Farmers, ranchers and producers will share their experiences and practical advice. Supporting organizations will update participants on available resources and programs that are being put in place across Missouri to assist with scaling-up. The last day of the work shop will provide a supervised hands-on preparation of your Farm Food Safety plan.

Participants may register for the program for $70 per person or individual days for less.

Information and tickets are available online at http://extension.missouri.edu/greene. Registration can also be completed by contacting Clarissa Hatley at the Greene County Extension Center by telephone (417) 881-8909 or email hatleyc@missouri.edu.

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 September 25, 2015

Nutrition and Food Policy

Living Healthy with Diabetes Taught three sessions in Springfield during September, in collaboration with Mercy and CoxHealth. Each session lasts three hours. This course is a CDC “best-practice” for assisting participants to take control of their diabetes — rather than letting diabetes control them.

Each participant in the workshop received a copy of the companion book, Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions, 4th Edition, an audio relaxation tape, pedometer, blessings journal, and tote bag.

Classes are highly participative, where mutual support and success build the participants’ confidence in their ability to manage their health and maintain active and fulfilling lives. Feedback from a class participant: “Wow, what a class! Not only learning new tools to make my life better, but to meet others with the same problems and to listen to how they handle everyday things, is an eye opener.”

Chronic Disease Self-Management One session of this class was held in September.

Outcomes of this class include:  Improvement of health outcomes and reduction of health care utilization  Decreased activity limitations and depression  Improved communication with health care providers  Improvements in quality of life, fatigue and sleep problems  Improvements in pain & shortness of breath  A significant improvement in ER visits and hospitalization

Local Food Projects Continued many local food projects during September, working with producers and organizations to connect, and to support greater availability and access to local food.

Pam Duitsman Preparation is underNutrition Specialist way for four fall duitsmanp@missouri.edu workshops. Three presentations and several meetings took place in September for work in Greene County.

As a part of this work, Pam has been partnering with the Agriculture Department at MSU on a Food Hub Feasibility Study. This project is nearing completion, Results should be available soon to inform many producers, businesses, and local food system stakeholders.

Participants at the 2nd MU Extension Garlic Festival (above) learn the Health Benefits of Garlic.

Pam spent much time this month seeking sponsorships and funders to support local food work in Greene County. An important series being planned is the Seeds of Prosperity: Scaling Up to Meet the Demand for Local Food.

See the flier for this program on the University of MO Greene County webpage.

SOP Planning committee working on the workshop agenda.

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 September 25, 2015

Nutrition and Food Policy

Voices for Food Project: Pam is the Project Coordinator for Missouri, and works with several Food Policy Councils and communities to improve food-insecurity. The project is a six-state, federally funded research project, drawing on the expertise of multiple disciplines – including nutrition, community development, agriculture and youth, through Extension services. The goal is to develop and implement sustainable solutions that will increase availability and access to healthy food choices.

Missouri Public Health Assn Conference Speaker Pam spoke on Greene County Local Food Partnerships at the MPHA conference held in Columbia in September. Her presentation was entitled: Local Healthy Food Partnerships: How local partnerships

help make changes that lead to consumption of healthier foods.

Food Enterprise Workshop Pam attended this workshop on the MU campus in September and learned about how to obtain funds for funding Food Enterprises from State, Federal, and Foundation (non-profit) sources.

Assorted Seminars Pam participated in the following;  Overview of Collective Impact & Its Application for Food Policy Councils  Weighing In: Protein for Weight Management  Pam provided individual consultation to 29 individuals/farms/businesses in the month of September.

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 September 25, 2015

Family Nutrition Education Program Becky Roark  

20 classes at Fair Grove Elementary School, K--4th--475 students Well of Life Food Pantry had our display on "Nutrition and Learning,” 275 adults

Marty Wood             

Willard WIC: “Eating Smart, Being Active,” 21 adults Willard Food Pantry: Display, 34 families Pregnancy Care Center: “Eating Smart, Being Active,” 76 adults Crosslines Food Pantry: Display, 1285 families Crosslines Food Pantry: “Eating Smart, Being Active,” 11 adults Life House Crisis Maternity Home: “Eating Smart, Being Active,” 6 adults Hand Extended Food Pantry: “Eating Smart, Being Active,” 46 adults Harter House/Strafford: Display, 75 adults Beacon Village: “Eating, Smart, Being Active,” 11 adults Hand In Han Multi-cultural Center: “Eating Smart, Being Active,” 25 adults Hand In Han Multi-cultural Center: Display, 47 adults Hand In Han Multi-cultural Center, “Kids In the Kitchen,” 12 children Hand In Han Multi-cultural Center: Display, 27 children

Roark

Hull

Wood

Sherri Hull   

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Started Series of Lessons at Mann Elem – 3rd, 4th, & 5th grades 172 students Started Series of Lessons at Sequiota Elem – 3rd & 4th grades 117 students Victory Mission Family Ministries Food Pantry Display and Discussion on “Protein” 148 Families Hand in Hand Multicultural Center Hispanic Heritage Month Event 39 Kids 72 Adults Farmer’s Market of the Ozarks - Various Displays and Discussions 125 Adults

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

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

Nevatt

Edmondson

Williams Page 6

Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated September 25, 2015

Civic Communication Specialist & County Program Director What is teaching? Direct contact where learning is occurring is considered teaching. This includes one-to-one calls, emails to individuals who have asked questions or sought information, meetings that include learning, and classes.

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BY THE NUMBERS (for the month)  Requests for advisement: 10  Regular weekly news columns: 12  TV/Radio Interviews – 4  Total articles written this month – 28  Telephone inquiries — 22

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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  Answers to various Council member concerns.

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Great Game of Business details/planning.

Organize and conduct weekly staff meetings Set up Constant Contact for news service.

Set up DonorSnap for better organization of our financial gifts.

Planning for Salute to Century Farms and David Burton future programs.

Civic communication Presented “Media Reburtond@missouri.edu lations 101” and “Basic Election Judge Training” to 140 attendees of 109th Annual Conference of the Missouri County Clerks and Election Judges.

Program included putting three power points that could be used by clerks in their trainings directly on their conference thumb drives.

SOCIAL MEDIA REPORT CARD FOR THE MONTH NEWS SERVICE Subscribers Sep-15 9381 YouTUBE Subscribers 2015 444 TWITTER Followers 2015 105 FLICKR Followers 2015 44 Facebook Followers managed pages = 70304 2015 Cumulative Facebook Reach = SWRN Blog Monthly views 2477 LinkedIn 728

2015 views on AgEbb 1,857,438 Total Views 405678 2015 Activity 1055 Total 2015 Views 176,225 Monthly Reach 138,385 1,142,255 2015 Annual Views 17,339 882

I encourage county extension councils to provide content to MUExtension417 Twitter and Facebook pages and to have clients follow those regional options. I also schedule social media posts.

All media releases are posted to AgEbb and social media by me using Hootsuite. KLOUT rating is a national measure of our social media effectiveness.

KLOUT rating (current / highest) =

66 / 72 (out of 100) Total 2015 Social/Online Contacts & Views= 3,323,783

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 September 25, 2015

Horticulture Specialist Community Contact: TV and Radio  4 live interviews with KOLR10’s John Ziegler (2 delivered by Kelly McGowan, 1 delivered

by Master Gardener Terry Newport)  Interview on fall webworms with KOLR10 (9/19/15) Print media  Contributed to several articles and interviews Requests for information  Telephone contacts – 24 for advisement  Email contacts – 16 contacts  Office visits, professional contacts – 2 for consultation and advisement  Farm visits – 5 for consultation and advisement Programs Presented:  “Saving Seeds,” Learn to Grow in the Garden, Springfield (9/14/15)  “Ecology,” Master Naturalist core training, Springfield (9/17/15)  “Exotic Honeysuckle – Not So Sweet,” Missouri Department of Conservation Invasive Plant Species Workshop, Springfield (9/18/15)

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Coordinated:  Master Gardeners of Greene County board meeting, Springfield (8/31/15)  Garlic Festival, Springfield (9/2/15)  First Friday at Webb City Farmers Market display, Webb City (9/4/15)  Master Gardeners of Greene County chapter meeting, Springfield (9/8/15)  Springfield Plateau Master Naturalists board meeting, Springfield (9/9/15)  Springfield Plateau Master Naturalist chapter meeting (9/21/15)  Master Gardeners of Greene County Hotline Development training (delivered by Kelly McGowan), Springfield (9/21/15)  Organic Vegetable Production, Organic Gardening Academy, Springfield (9/16/15)  Horticulture soil test reports - recommendations and distribution for SW region – 50 reports during reporting period Participated in:  USDA AFRI Farmers Market data collection,

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

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Springfield/Webb City (8/29/15, 9/1/15, 9/11/15, 9/17/15, 9/19/15) MU Extension Thematic Teams quarterly meeting, Sedalia (8/26-8/28/15) MSU/MU garden in a bag research project data collection, Springfield (8/31/15) LU/MU Hmong High Patrick Byers Horticulture Tunnel Workshop, byerspl@missouri.edu SWREC, Mount Vernon (9/9/15) Howell County Extension/OFAC grant announcement event, West Plains (9/9/15) SWREC VoAG Field Day, Mount Vernon (9/10/15) SWREC Fall Field Day, Mount Vernon (9/11/15) 2015 State Master Gardener Conference, Columbia (9/11/15-9/13/15) MSU/MU garlic production grant proposal team meeting (9/14/15) Master Gardeners of Greene County Emeritus Luncheon, Springfield (9/16/15) Produce Safety Alliance teleconference (9/18/15) Metropolitan Food Systems team meeting, Columbia (9/21/15) ISE 120 Food Enterprise Development, Columbia (9/22-23/15) ISE 42 Alternative Agriculture in Missouri (instructor), Columbia (9/24/15)

Upcoming programming and events  “Elderberry production, cultivar development, and postharvest handling,” Kerr Center Elderberry Workshop, Poteau, OK (9/26/15)  MU Extension “Salute to Century Farms” celebration (9/28/15)  “Fireblight,” guest lecture for MSU Plant Pathology course, Springfield (9/29/15)  Wright County Extension open house, Mountain Grove (10/1/15)

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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated September 25, 2015

Horticulture Specialist 

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First Friday at Webb City Farmers Market display, Webb City (10/2/15) “Missouri’s Native Trees,” Springfield Botanical Center 5th Anniversary Celebration, Springfield (10/3/15) “Plant Propagation,” Springfield Federated Garden Club Gardening Study Course 1, Springfield (10/12/15) SARE Fellowship study tour, Nebraska (10/12/15-10/14/15) “Home Fruit Production,” Hickory County Master Gardener Core class, Hermitage (10/20/15) “Plant Propagation,” Christian County Master Gardener Core class, Ozark (10/22/15) Garlic Festival attendees choose from among 25 plus strains “Plant Propagation,” Stone/Taney of garlic.

County Master Gardener Core class, Branson West (10/22/15) 2015 Extension Summit, Columbia (10/27/15 – 10/29/15)

Human Interest: 2nd Garlic Festival Greene County: The second annual Garlic Festival was a great success! This project, held at the Springfield Botanical Center on Sept. 2, focused on all things garlic.

Patrick Byers discussed garlic production for home gardeners and farmers. Pamela Duitsman shared the results of research into the healthful qualities of garlic, as well as the nutritional benefits of regular garlic consumption.

Kelly McGowan, David Middle- Roasted and fresh garlic, ready for tasting. ton, Michele Byers, and Debi Hunget coordinated the garlic tasting, which included roasted garlic and fresh garlic bruschetta on bread.

The garlic store was open, which allowed the 87 festival attendees the opportunity to purchase from over 25 strains of garlic grown in Patrick’s garlic evaluation project.

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated September 25, 2015

Master Naturalists Barbara Lucks Named Winner of 2014 MDC Outreach and Education Partnership Award The Fifteenth Annual Springfield/Greene County Choose Environmental Excellence awards were presented Friday, April 17, 2015, at a luncheon held at the White River Conference Center in Springfield, Missouri, as a part of Springfield’s Earth Day/ Earth Month festivities Barbara Lucks, Sustainability Officer for the City of Springfield – Department of Environmental Services, was chosen the 2014 recipient of the Missouri Department of Conservation’s Outreach & Education Partnership Award Springfield Plateau Chapter President, Bob Korpella, presented the award.

Barbara has been with the city for more than 20 years and has been involved with the Springfield Conservation Nature Center for that length of time.

Barbara is a strong proponent for the Department and goes to great lengths to promote MDC programs and activities. She manages the Environmental Resource Center, a facility that acts as a clearing house for all things associated with the environment. Their resource area is open to the public and is covered with many programs and informational publications. Barbara ensures that the facility promotes all nature center and Department programs by having newsletters, flyers, and rack cards on display. In addition, she is involved with many environmental groups in the area and takes our materials to the various meetings of those groups.

But Barbara doesn’t just promote MDC programs, she also participates! Each year she assists with the Native Plant event at the nature center by

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

hosing a variety of displays and presenting workshops. She has donated her time and money to bring Richard Louv, John C. Robinson and Doug Tallemy, all noted nature related book authors to the nature center for public programs. Barbara doesn’t care about receiving credit for the work she does behind the scenes to further conservation education in the Springfield area. The important thing for her is that we all work together, rather than competing, to further conservation and environmental education to the public of Springfield. This teamwork can be directly attributed to Barbara’s leadership, she is a phenomenal spokesperson for all of us.

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

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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

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Master Gardeners of Greene County Gray-Campbell Farmstead

Community Contact      

8/28/15-KSMU Radio Interview About upcoming Garlic Festival 9/3/15-KOLR 10 Live TV Spot on Monarch Butterflies 9/3/15-KOLR 10 Taped TV Spot on Monarch Butterflies 9/4/15-Contributed article to Ozarks Living magazine on Poison Ivy 9/21/15-KTTS Radio Interview on Fall Webworm 9/24/15-KOLR 10 Live TV Spot-Fall Webworm

Upcoming Programs 

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Requests for Information Telephone Contacts-8 Email Contacts-4 Office Visits-3

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Programs Presented

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9/10/15-Ag Education Day at Southwest Research Farm-Presentation on Peppers 9/11/15-Field Day at Southwest Research Farm-Presentation on Butterfly Gardening 9/16/15-Organic Gardening Academy –Presentation on Organic Vegetable Gardening 9/21/15-Led Master Gardener Hotline Training

Programs Participated In      

9/2/15-Volunteer Recruitment Fair at Missouri State University 9/2/15-2nd Annual Garlic Festival 9/9/15-Volunteer Recruitment Event at Drury University 9/11-9/13-State Master Gardener Conference in Columbia, MO 9/16/15-Annual Master Gardener Emeritus Luncheon 9/20/15-1860’s Lifestyle Expo at the

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

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9/2-9/3-Friends of the Garden Anniversary Celebration 9/4/15-Farm Fest at the Ozark Empire Kelly McGowan Fair 10/5/15-Barry Coun- Horticulture Educator ty Master Gardener mcgowank@missouri.edu Core Training Presentation 10/6/15-KY3 Phone Bank on Winterizing Your Garden 10/12/15-Federated Garden Club presentations on Soils and Houseplants 10/26/15-Master Gardener Core Training in Christian and Taney Counties

The Master Gardener Program is a popular and successful statewide volunteer community-service organization administered through University of Missouri Extension. The organization’s goal is to train gardeners who are willing to share their knowledge with others. Master Gardeners become volunteers of University of Missouri Extension and donate hours for community educational projects in horticulture. Volunteer activities include working with non-profit organizations, maintaining community gardens, conducting workshops, participating in a Master Gardener speakers’ bureau and staffing the Master Gardener “Hotline.” The Master Gardeners of Greene County can boast of over 275 members. For more information visit the chapter website at http://www.mggreene.org.

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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

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4-H Report for Greene County

Greene County “Best of the Best” Honors go to Bowie and Driskell "Best of the Best" awards were presented to

members of 4-H clubs (ages 8 to 18) from southwest Missouri at the 4-H Pie Auction and Cake Wars event Sunday, Sept. 20. Two members from each county in southwest Missouri were eligible for the honor.

The following are the answers to the entry form submitted by Greene County applicants that they were asked to complete as part of the selection process.

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.

Tell us the most important thing you have learned in 4-H? “The most important thing I have learned from 4-H is honestly to be myself. Without being yourself you can’t make all those 4-H memories.”

“The most important thing I have learned in 4-H is hard work pays off. If you don’t work at something, it will never be good.”

“The most important thing I have learned throughout my time in 4-H is that the hardest decisions are often found in the easiest opportunities. I learned this when I ran for Regional Representative. I realized how much responsibility and expectations came with the job. I had to make the decision to accept being alternate and the duties that came along with that title.”

“4-H has taught me leadership skills.

I’ve learned much of this through my role as a club officer such as Treasurer and Secretary. Many of the activities at 4-H camp teach you different leadership skills and how to not be afraid to speak up and express your ideas.”

Greene County 4-H Sweeps State Horse Contest Congratulations to Jessica Cobban, Mattie Cobban and Rory O'Connor! They went to state horse public speaking and demonstration contest on Saturday and rocked it! Jessica – 1st State Senior Horse Individual Presentation/Demonstration; Rory – 1st State Junior Horse Individual Presentation/ Demonstration; and Mattie – 1st State Senior Horse Public Speaking

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

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4-H Report for Greene County “The most important thing I have learned in 4-H is to help each other. It’s a good feeling to know that someone is there to help you. So I try to help whenever I can.”

“One of the most important things I have learned is patience.”

“Teamwork. I’ve learned how to work in a team with all kinds of people.”

“4-H has helped me become a wellrounded person. My club has encouraged me to work hard and do better. I am ready to continue to grow in my 4-H experience.”

“4-H is one of my favorite things to do.

It has taught me so much about my community, and about the projects I do. I don’t know what I would do if I couldn’t do 4-H.”

Tell us about your 4-H experience.

“If you were me you would say, “I don’t play a sport I do 4-H.” I live to be in 4-H because 4-H is my life. I AM 4-H.” “Through 4-H, I have had the opportunity to do things that give back to the community and really make a difference.” “the best thing about being in 4-H is meeting new friends and learning important skills that will help me in the future. 4-H has brought me out of my shell, it has taken me from a shy little girl to one who wants to have a state 4-H office.”

“Through 4-H I’ve developed skills like responsibility, leadership and a good work ethic. Being involved with 4-H has allowed me to better hone these skills than I would have through other means outside of 4-H.”

Greene County 4-H Excels at Ozark Empire Fair Greene County 4-H members exhibited 185 exhibits from 54 members at Ozark Empire Fair. Among those,12 were chosen as Grand or Reserve Grand Champion in their division, and 66 percent were chosen as blue ribbon winners at this regional level of competition. These results indicate a high level of accomplishment in these project areas.

Forty-three members sent 65 exhibits on to Missouri State Fair.

The Purchase of these Books on Rural School History Benefit Greene County Extension "David Burton, civic communication specialist in Greene County, has written three books about historic one-room schools. Proceeds from the sale of these books go directly to Greene County Extension programs.

Purchase these books from Greene County Extension while our supplies last. See our website for an order form, an option to purchase online, or purchase either of these books in person at our office.

More information at http://extension.missouri.edu/greene

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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4-H Report for Greene County

State Reps Moon and Anderson Both Participate in “Cake Wars” The Annual 4-H Cake and Pie Auction and "Best of the Best" Awards Program was held Sunday, Sept. 20 in Springfield.

Sponsored by the Greene County 4-H Foundation, the program includes “Cake Wars.” The Cake Wars Contest is a 30-minute timed cake decorating contest with one two-member team from any 4-H club in southwest Missouri. Youth teams can also include an adult celebrity like an area legislator. Cakes will be auctioned off, and the team whose cake brings the most will win bragging rights and a trophy. Each team had a work table with an undecorated cake and a set of decorating equipment. The remaining supplies, icing, sprinkles and small decorative items will be on a central supply table available for each team to choose and use. Celebrity help this year included Missouri Representative Mike Moon who helped the Bois D'Arc Braves and Rep. Sonya Anderson who worked with the Sac River Stablemates.

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

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Human Development, Family and Health Program for Women in Construction Members of the National Association of Women in Construction participated in a workshop on communications. Thirty people in the Springfield area learned the importance of body language.

Many of the participants are in construction equipment and supplies sales and they work with others on a daily basis.

The workshop helped them to understand how to tell if their customers are in tune with what they are saying by watching the customer’s facial expressions, posture, and other types of body language

Mental Health First Aid Program Reaches Statewide An 8 hour workshop was held in Crane, Missouri for members of MRSS/MRSS-P. Eleven participants came from Springfield, Joplin and the Branson area.

Members of the association are required to attend a

Mental Health First Aid Training and become a certified mental health first aider. This designation prepares them to work with individuals who are experiencing a mental health crisis. The participants are peer trainers for individuals with drug and/or alcohol addiction problems.

A second workshop will be held in Crane for another fifteen peer counselors on Oct. 22, 2015

Renette Wardlow Human Development wardlowr@missouri.edu

To learn more about this program or others impacting children and families, contact Human Development Specialist Renette Wardlow at (417) 881-8909 or by email at wardlowr@missouri.edu.

Order Your "Seasonal and Simple" Cookbook from Greene County Extension "Seasonal and Simple: A Guide for Enjoying Fresh Fruits and Vegetables,"helps you select, store and prepare fresh fruits and vegetables. The recipes use simple preparations and seasonings, so you can taste the fruit or vegetable at the peak of its flavor.

Purchase a book from Greene County Extension while our supplies last. See our website for an order form or purchase it in person at our office. Book costs $15.

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

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

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Housing and Urban Development Specialist Jeff Barber is working with leaders in area communities and students at Drury to develop projects and visioning documents that Jeff Barber improve livHousing and design barberj@missouri.edu ing and expand economic options. Information about his work can be found on the Greene County Extension website or contact him at (417) 881-8909 or barberj@missouri.edu.

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

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, or to learn how you can reach 1,000 readers a month by advertising in the Reaching Out Report, contact David Burton, civic communication specialist, at (417) 881-8909. If you would like to receive this by email each month, contact David Burton at burtond@missouri.edu.

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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

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Can I Help?

Get Social with Greene County Extension

Maggie Black can help customers with material needs, soil tests and program registrations. Contact her at the Greene County Extension Center or email her direct at blackmag@missouri.edu. Maggie Black Office Manager Maggie Black joined Greene County Extension in 2015.

Extension Council Officers

Corporate Sponsors Sanford, Lea and Associates, CPA, Springfield, Mo.: (417) 886-2220, www.adifferentcpa.com Master Gardeners of Greene County: http://www.mggreene.org Greene County Commission, 933 N Robberson Ave., Springfield, MO 65802 http://www.greenecountymo.org/ Springfield-Greene County Park Board, Ph 417-864-1049, www.parkboard.org Greene County Soil and Water Conservation District, Ph.417-831-5246, http:// swcd.mo.gov/greene/index.html.

Greene County Extension Office located inside the Springfield-Greene 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.

Follow us on Facebook: GreeneCountyExtension Follow us on Twitter @MUExtension417 Follow us on YouTube: /MUExtension417

The following individuals are officers on the Greene County Extension Council during 2015.  Matthew Simpson, chairman  Harold Bender, vice-chairman  Mary Sue Joplin, treasurer  Nancy Williams, secretary See our website (http://extension.missouri.edu/greene) for a complete listing of council members and contact information for each member.

Voices for Food Grant Clarissa joined MU Extension in 2013 and works with Dr. Pam Duitsman on the Voices for Food Grant. She assists with documentation and other details required by this USDA grant and works to make sure the overall program, research, and community work Clarissa Hatley is effective and operations smoothly. Office Support

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, 8:30 a.m. Call 864-1049 to confirm.

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

Greene County 4-H Foundation: meets 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.

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

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

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

2015 Contributors to “Friends of Greene County Extension” Glenn Blake M.D. Bonebrake Sanford, Lea and Shelby Bradley Associates Joyce Brown Master Gardeners of Malia Bucher Greene County Greene County Soil and Ramona Burton Water Conservation Susan Cardwell Robert Cirtin District Marthe Close Johnny Davis Patron Level Jim Eckhoff George Deatz Gale Edwards Ann Hall James Garton Steve Montgomery David Hall Lombardi Avis Holloway Dr. Jeff Jones Sponsor Level Tim & Mary Sue Joplin David & Stacey Burton Barbara Kipfer Springfield Water Pauline Marsh Garden Society James Mauldin Larry Jones MFA – Ash Grove Old Missouri Bank Don Nicholson Mo. Dept. of Ag Old Missouri Bank PFI Western Wear Contributor Level Race Brothers Farm and Carl Allison Home Supply Harold Bengsch Jeanette & Tom Rouse Galen & Pam Duitsman Ryan Lawn & Tree FCS Financial Steve & Pam Squibb Carl Hathcock Katie Steinhoff Cox Health Systems Stephen & Sally Taylor Galen Jones Gene Wallace Jack Kaiser David & Glenda Welde Ronald & Sue Terry Carr Stock Farms, LLC Matt & Teresa Simpson Kip Thompson

Corporate Level

Partner Level

Harold Bender Friends Level Kim Chaffin Randy & Lisa Bakerink George Freeman

Total* Contributed: Cash = $22,084

Matthew Simpson Patsy Spindler Emma Valentin Nancy Williams Rose (Unknown) John Garton

Associate Level Alice Counts Marilyn Anderson Rob Baird Jeff Barber Patrick Byers Robert Cranksaw Barb Decker Robin & Brenda Funkhouser Rebecca Hoy Joshua Mathews Kelly McGowan Fred & Dorothy Miller Dean & Jackie Morgan Edie Nelson Lamont Nelson Benjamin Newville Earl Niewald Minuen Odom Robert Pears Ruth PenaherreraNorton Rebecca Roller Dale & Carrie Sanders Don Simpson Olivia Simpson Bryan Simpson Jeanie Skibiski Virginia Snyder Randy Underwood Renette Wardlow * This amount does not include funds raised at the Dinner in the Orchard. For an accurate accounting of funds raised in 2015 see our page two scorecard.

Cheryl Willis Lorri Winters

Donate Vehicles to Greene County Extension Cars, trucks, motorcycles, RVs, ATVs, boats, boat motors and farm equipment can be donated to the Greene County Extension Council When contacting the local extension office with a donation be prepared to give the following: name, address and telephone for the owner and type of item.

If it is a vehicle we will need VIN, make, model, year, color and mileage.

When the vehicle is picked up (or delivered) the owner must sign over the title.

Friends of Greene County Extension Members of “Friends of Greene County Extension” contribute financially to make it possible for Extension to continue having a positive impact on the quality of life in Greene County. Learn how to help by calling (417) 881-8909 or going to http:// extension.missouri.edu/greene