December 2014

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

December 2014 * Vol. 7, Issue 12

INSIDE THIS ISSUE “On the Cover” story … page 2-3 Upcoming events … page 4 Kelly McGowan… page 5 Master Gardeners … page 6 Pam Duitsman… page 7 4-H Report … page 8 Nutrition program… page 9 David Burton … page 10-11 Budget request … pages 12 Patrick Byers … pages 13 Master Naturalists … page 14 Friends & Sponsors… page 15-16

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.

Students Help in Springfield as Part of Mizzou Alternative Break Greene County Extension specialists helped connect University of Missouri students with a charity in Springfield needing help on Nov. 14-15 as part of the Mizzou Alternative Break program.

See pages 2-3 for photos and written details.

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 December 19, 2014

On the Cover: Missouri Alternative Break on an Alternative Break trip and we’re proud of that.”

For one weekend in November, seven students came to Springfield to help at Ronald McDonald House in Springfield.

Staci Holland, House Program Director at Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks, Inc. in Springfield, said future clients will benefit from the two days of labor the MU The stereotype of college students using Students provided. their free time for drinking and getting into “The students were absolutely amazing mischief may soon be shattered. It appears and such a pleasure to have at the two Ronald that today’s college students, the millennials, McDonald houses in Springfield. Thank you value service more than a weekend party. for helping them make arrangements for their A 2010 Pew Research Center study trip to Springfield,” said Holland. asked millennials about their priorities: being The students helped get the Ronald a good parent, having a good marriage and McDonald House near Mercy Hospital ready helping others in need made the top of their for Cup O'Cheer Homes Tour, which is the list. largest annual fundraiser for Ronald McDon“These students want to give, they want ald House Charities of the Ozarks. to help out, they want to be part of the com“They were such a huge help working to munity,” said Joy Millard, interim assistant finish our landscaping. They also helped detail vice provost for University of Missouri Exour first-floor rooms and get the common aretension. as ready to be decorated,” said Holland.

As part of its centennial, University of The Ronald McDonald House at Mercy is Missouri Extension has partnered with Mizcelebrating its two-year anniversary. Accordzou Alternative ing to Holland, 892 Breaks, a group of families have been “The students were absolutely students who donate served since opening, amazing and such a pleasure to weekends, holidays and they are expecting have at the two Ronald McDonald and spring break to to serve more than 500 go into a community houses in Springfield. They were families this year. to serve a need. MAB such a huge help working to finish While in Springhas no shortage of field, the students our landscaping. They also helped student volunteers. detail our first-floor rooms and get stayed at National Ave“We had more the common areas ready to be dec- nue Christian Church than enough students in a space that Jeff Barto fill all the trips. We orated. Thank you for helping them ber, house and urban had to turn people make arrangements for their trip development specialist away,” said Marissa to Springfield.” with MU Extension, Steele, a senior at MU Staci Holland helped to arrange. and a weekend site House Program Director “We enjoyed being leader with MAB. Ronald McDonald House Charities of in Springfield. We “It’s an honor to go the Ozarks, Inc. in Springfield worked hard, we had a

MU Students Take “Alternative Break” to Assist a Charity in Springfield with Help from Greene County Extension

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

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On the Cover: Missouri Alternative Break Students from Mizzou Alternative Breaks (shown above working at Springfield locations) helped us get ready for Cup O'Cheer Homes Tour last week. They were such a HUGE help working to finish our landscaping! They also helped us detail our first floor rooms and get the common areas ready to be decorated. Staci Holland, Ronald McDonald Charities of the Ozarks.

good time and we were able to help a great organization,” said Steele. “Thanks to Greene County Extension for working on the local details.”

The partnership between MAB and MU Extension benefits both organizations.

“What I love about this is that it’s bringing students into communities, and the communities also give back to the students. It’s this wonderful circle of life,” said Millard. “It’s what we were created for, making people better, helping them out and making lives better.”

MAB makes use of MU Extension’s community connections to find the greatest need in Missouri counties. “MU Extension is our Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

eyes and ears in the community,” Steele said.

“Before the partnership, site leaders had to call random organizations to try to find projects.”

MAB’s goal is to do a project in every Missouri county over the next five years.

“Here are students who say they want to come help. In a time of limited resources, this is an amazing gift,” Millard said.

Learn more about Mizzou Alternative Breaks at http://breaks.missouri.edu.

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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

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Selected Upcoming Extension Events in Greene County Potting Shed University 2015

Lawn and Garden Show 2015

Potting Shed University begins Monday, Feb, 9, 2015, and 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.

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Feb. 9– Winter Seed Sowing by Missy Sanford Feb. 16– Hay Bale Gardening by Mark Bernskoetter  Feb. 23– Worm Composting by 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, 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 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 December 19, 2014

Master Gardeners of Greene County

Member Spotlight: Mike Sidebottom When did you join Master Gardeners? I joined the Master Gardeners in spring of 2012 because I wanted to learn more aspects of gardening and to meet others with the same interests as myself.

What kind of gardening background do you have? Vegetable gardening was something I learned from an early age as my family grew most of what we ate. I really did not expand into decorative plants until after joining Master Gardeners.

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

My favorite things about Master Gardeners are the members and the wonderful information and encouragement they give without realizing it.

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

The best growing tip for plants I know of is to be sure they have everything they need in moderation. It is also not a bad tip for growing children.

What are a couple of your favorite plants?

My favorite plants are always the ones I have just discovered. Of course that depends on how well they do in my garden.

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

Upcoming Events January 5: MG board meeting January 13: MG Monthly Chapter Meeting 6-8 pm at Botanical Center

Kelly McGowan

January 28 and 29: Horticulture Educator University of Missouri 2015 Master Gardener Extension Orientation 6-8 pm at mcgowank@missouri.edu Botanical Center 2015 Core Training for Master Gardeners of Greene County Do you or someone you know interested in becoming a Master Gardener in 2015? If so, please note that classes will begin Feb. 17 and continue through April 3 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Botanical Center. Sign up for an orientation session or more information, call 417-881-8909 or email Kelly McGowan at mcgowank@missouri.edu

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. For more information visit the chapters website at http://www.mggreene.org.

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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

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Master Gardeners of Greene County

Master Gardener Training Begins Feb. 17 in Greene County; Sign-Up now for Orientation in January Opportunities to gain and share horticultural knowledge are available through University of Missouri Extension’s Master Gardener program in Greene County.

Individuals interested in becoming a Master Gardener in Greene County must attend one of MU Extension’s mandatory orientation sessions.

The 2015 sessions are from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 28 or Thursday, Jan. 29 in the large meeting room at the Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center located at 2400 S. Scenic Springfield.

“Attendance of an orientation session is a mandatory first step of becoming a Master Gardener. You will learn important details about our training classes and volunteer commitments. You will also get a chance to visit with existing Master Gardener members,” said Kelly McGowan, horticulture educator with University of Missouri Extension.

The Master Gardener class sessions will be held Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., starting Feb. 17 and running through April 2. Most of the classes will be held at the Botanical Center, 2400 South Scenic, Springfield with three being held at the Library Station on N. Kansas Expressway, Springfield.

A total of 12 three-hour sessions taught by trained professionals will cover horticulture principles and practices. Ornamentals, turf, vegetables, fruit crops and landscape design are some of the subjects covered through this course.

Master Gardeners assist in horticulture education in the community. Thirty volunteer hours from participants are required the first year after training. Following that, 20 volunteer service hours are required each year to remain an active Master Gardener.

Enrollment for the class is limited and there is a fee of $150 (or $255 for a couple) to cover the costs of the program and materials.

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

2015 Master Gardeners of Greene County Officers and Board Members The 2015 officers were elected at the December board meeting. Returning for another term as president will be Missy Sanford. Mike Sidebottom will be the new vice-president, Dellene Nelson will be returning as Treasurer, and Gail Wright will be returning as secretary.

Two new board members were elected for 2015: Patty Garrett and Margo Shull. They will join returning board members Kay Johnson and Bob Childress.

A special thank you to George Deatz and Nancy Chambers whose terms have expired.

Serving as a board member and officer for a group as large as the Master Gardeners of Greene County is a job that requires many hours behind the scenes making sure everything runs smoothly and that the chapter remains healthy for years to come. We are very grateful to have such a great leadership team and wish them the best in 2015!

Private Pesticide Applicator Training March 6 A private pesticide applicator training session will be offered from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, March 6, at the Greene County Extension office located inside the Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center at 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield.

Under Missouri law, this training provides certification to obtain a Private Pesticide Applicators License for Missouri agricultural producers and will also count for recertification requirements by the state. The training will not certify for commercial application licenses.

This training is open to producers of agricultural commodities, 18 years of age or older.

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. Persons interested in attending should call (417) 8818909 to reserve a space.

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Nutrition and Health Specialist The Voices for Food Project is focused on increasing Community Food Security through sustainable, community-based strategies. In December, community meetings were held and work was begun to create several Food policy Councils in SW Missouri Communities to strengthen our local food system. This project takes a preventionoriented approach to improve access of lowincome households to healthy and nutritious food, and improve self-reliance to provide for their own food need. Pam is the State coordinator for the project which works to promote comprehensive community responses to local food, farm and nutrition issues.

County Food, Nutrition, and Health Projects During December, Pam has worked with community partners on the Food Hub Feasibility study; Local Food for Economic Development Conference planning; Springfield Food Hub development planning; coordination and teaching food system workshops; and individual consultation for 9 people/ organizations.

Healthy Lifestyle Initiative Pam partners MU Extension resources and programs with communities to improve healthy living environments and policies, and to provide programming for enhanced healthy lifestyles. During December Pam worked with schools and collaborators to develop school healthy-lifestyle programs for implementation during 2015.

Ozarks Regional Food Policy Council: The council worked on special projects in December, including: coordination of marketing and access to local food; update on the HEAL grant which will bring the MU Extension Program “Stock Pam Duitsman Healthy, Shop Nutrition specialist duitsmanp@missouri.edu Healthy” to Springfield, and will increase programming in our urban food dessert areas.

Work also continued on discussion of Food Hub models and development of education needed for local farmers, producers, and food system partners.

Pam continues to serve on this Executive Committee and also on the Broader Council. The Council exists to provide leadership for good food, strong farms, healthy communities.

MU Extension Program Integration: As a part of a state-wide team, Pam is working with the Heath Systems committee to maximize impact for MU Extension’s health-related programs.

www.botanicalcenter.org

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

Sontheimer Shares 4-H Experience with Bois D’Arc Classmates

By James Hanson Ash Grove Commonwealth, Dec. 2, 2014

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.

Last Monday morning, all eyes of the fourth-grade classes at Bois D’Arc Elementary School were on fellow fourth-grader Monte Sontheimer, who gave a special presentation about 4-H. Sontheimer has been a member of the Bois D’Arc Braves—one of the many Greene County 4-H Clubs— the last four years. He discussed why he enjoys being a part of the club. “I like the different activities and coming to the meetings,” Sontheimer said. “You get to do a lot of fun things in 4-H.” Sontheimer said he was a little nervous Besides discussing 4-H, he also showcased his at first.

“I was a little scared to give the Brown Red Cochin rooster and previous ribbons that he presentation,” he said afterwards. “But I has won. calmed down.

It was a lot of fun.”

Sontheimer said his 4-H club meets the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Bois D’Arc United Methodist Church. He said other clubs have different meeting days and times.

“I would encourage any of you who aren’t in 4-H to join a club, even if it isn’t the Braves or a club in Greene County,” Sontheimer said.

Several students and both fourth-grade teachers, Mrs. Curbow and Mrs. Pedersen, had lots of questions for Sontheimer after his presentation.

They wanted to know how long chickens live. The answer: “Seven or eight years is the average time,” Sontheimer replied.

They also wanted to know where he won his ribbons and awards. He said they were won at different 4-H related events and a few were won showing at the Ozark Empire Fair.

He informed everyone that the four Hs in Photo by James Hanson: Bois D’Arc fourth-grader 4-H stood for head, heart, health and hands. He Monte Sontheimer gave a presentation to both fourthalso said the club offers more than just farming/ grade classes last week about 4-H. Here he is pictured agriculture related events, like sewing, gardenin front of the class with a special guest, one of his ing, arts and crafts, shooting sports and more. show roosters, a Brown Red Cochin.

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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Family Nutrition Education Program Becky Roark 

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Willard North Elementary School (K, 1st and 2nd grades), 195 students McGregor Elementary School (K and 1st grades), 124 students Bingham Elementary School (2nd grade), 75 students Roark Well of Life Food Pantry, 281 families  Central Assembly of God Food Pantry, 121 families

The elementary school students have been tasting different fruits and vegetables during nutrition class.

We talk about tasting with our taste buds in our mouth and not tasting with our eyes—for example thinking a fruit or vegetable looks strange and therefore you may not like it.

Getting kids to try new foods is a big part of getting them to accept them as part of a healthy diet. Of course we also stress the importance of the vitamins we get from these food groups and how they keep our bodies healthy.

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Hull

Wood

Nevatt

Little Sunshine Preschool, “Let’s Read About Healthy Eating,” 40 children Harter House-Strafford, display, 62 adults Life House Crisis Maternity Home, “Eating Smart, Being Active,” 7 adults

Sherri Hull   

Began series of lessons for Willard South Elementary PreK – 4th, 448 students Completed series of lessons for Sequiota EleSherri Hull and Marty Wood at a recent commumentary 4th grade, 52 students nity event educating individuals about dairy Victory Mission Family Ministries Food products and Greene County Extension.

Pantry – Display and Discussion about “Supersizing”, 185 families

Marty Wood   

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Willard WIC, “Eating Smart, Being Active,” 31 adults Willard Food Pantry, display, 51families Pregnancy Care Center, “Eating Smart, Being Active, 20 adults Hand Extended Food Pantry, display, 62 families Southwest Mo. Indian Center, display, 25 families

Family Nutrition Education Program

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

Fossett

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

DeFord

Edmondson

Williams Page 9

Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

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Civic Communication Specialist and County Program Director

BY THE NUMBERS (for the month)  News Service Subscribers: 10,334 weekly  Requests for advisement: 12  Regular weekly news columns: 24  TV/Radio Interviews – 3  Total articles written this month – 24 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  Coordinate agriculture programs in the county.

SOCIAL MEDIA REACH (Oct. 2014):  Individuals engaged this month on various MU Extension Facebook pages: 18,777.  Added 8 videos to YouTube this month.

Our MUExteision417 channel continues to David Burton get over 100,000 vid- Civic communication burtond@missouri.edu eo views a year.  Researching various online tools for contact management for Expert Source Program.

Coming up …

Volunteer Needed …

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An entire new look for the Greene County Extension Council’s Annual Report will be unveiled in January.

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.

Council should learn the fate of its request for $27,000 in funding from the Greene County Commission in mid-January.

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.

Research and Write Narrative on 100 year History of Greene County Extension Research the history of Greene County Extension and create a narrative for our 100th anniversary. History from 1935 to 1960 is complete.

Council minutes from 1960 to 1970 and from 1997 to present provide more historical narrative and need to be reviewed for historically important events, programs and people. We have newspaper clippings and a few annual reports from the 1960s to 1980s that could help to fill in some holes. Interviewing some retired extension specialists that are still in the area could help fill in much of that time period also. This would include Gaylord Moore, Byron Morrison, John Lower, Wilma Lower and Randy Humphrey.

From this research, write a narrative that can be published and presented online. Contact the Greene County office for more information.

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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Community Development

Newspapers are the Foundation of Vibrant Communities

By David L. Burton A recent visitor to my house noted that I had four different weekly newspapers on the kitchen counter. “If you have that many newspaper subscriptions, you must be rich,” said my friend, who confessed to never having subscribed to a newspaper in his entire life.

I wanted to cry in response to the fact that he had never subscribed to a newspaper, but I laughed instead. “I am not rich when it comes to money, but these communities are better off by having a weekly newspaper,” I said. “That is why I support local newspapers with my subscription.”

As a consumer, I know first-hand that most weekly newspaper subscriptions are reasonable. I have subscriptions to my hometown newspaper, the newspaper I managed, the newspaper in my community of residence and the newspaper in the community where I work. These newspapers keep me updated on government decisions, community events and the lives of my friends.

Despite our changing world, daily and weekly community newspapers remain a prime source for recording local news events. Newspapers document the lives of local citizens from birth to death.

Newspapers chronical the decisions of city councils, county commissions, fire districts and school boards along with hometown school athletics and art programs.

Newspapers serve an important function in the American democratic process. When I was editing a weekly newspaper, I would say the newspaper was a “beacon of truth.” I still believe that is true in most communities. At the very least, quality newspapers aid in the well-being of the communities they serve.

Newspapers help protect our communities from destructive influences. Newspapers help to sound the alarm with accurate and complete coverage of sensitive or tragic community issues. The best

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

community newspapers provide facts and editorials that help communities make decisions.

They also help celebrate individual and collective achievements in the community, offer congratulations and join in the community celebration.

Newspapers have an important role in small and large communities across this country. Despite what a few might have you believe, newspapers are not dead. Weekly newspapers are doing well and for communities that want to grow and flourish, they are vital.

“Newspapers have an important role in small and large communities across this country. Despite what a few might have you believe, newspapers are not dead.”

— David Burton

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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

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Council Budget Request for 2015 DATE:

Dec. 19, 2014

TO:

Greene County Commission

RE: cil

Request for $27,000 from Commission by Greene County Extension Coun-

The Greene County Extension Council has formally submitted their request for $27,000 of inter-governmental funding from the Greene County Commission during 2015.

This amount ($27,000) is being recommended for two reasons. First, because it is the last amount provided by the Commission prior to funding the local extension council with the state minimum funding of $10,000 (established in 1961). Second, the elected members of the Greene County Extension Council see this amount as part of a “funding partnership.” This would represent a mix of private giving, office income and county support in a way that is unprecedented in the state and currently offers our best hope for maintaining local operations.

This is our income could break out during 2015 if this additional request is provided. $27,000 – privately raised by Greene County Extension Council $10,000 – income from soil tests, and income from programs $27,000 – from Greene County Commission in support of our partnership $64,000 – total needed for office operations in 2015.

We are thankful for the many individual supporters that have funded local extension programs over the last five years. Volunteers in our Master Gardener, 4-H and Master Naturalists programs raise their own funds for the public education they provide. Our partnership with the Springfield-Greene County Park Board has made it possible for us to have an outstanding office and meeting space. But solid ongoing funding is needed to maintain our office and program support functions.

I believe the $27,000 council is requesting this year provides the Commission with an avenue for supporting a unique funding strategy. I know of no other county office, department or program that funds their own operations in this way. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

David Burton County Program Director and Civic Communication Specialist Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

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Horticulture Specialist Community Contact: TV and Radio  3 live interviews with KOLR10’s John Ziegler (1 delivered by Kelly McGowan)  4 radio interviews with Morris Westfall’s “Farm Page of the Air” Print media  Contributed to several articles and interviews  1 interview with Juliana Goodwin, Springfield News Leader (12/6/14) Requests for information  Telephone contacts – 22 for advisement  Email contacts – 12 contacts  Office visits, professional contacts – 1 for consultation and advisement  Farm site visits – 1 for consultation Programs Presented:  “Home Fruit Production”, Master Gardener core trainings, MG of the Ozarks and Christian County MG, Hollister and Ozark (11/24/14)  “International Agricultural Issues at the World Food Prize/Borlaug Dialog Conference”, Global Food Systems Thematic Team Adobe Connect presentation (12/8/14)  “International Opportunities with Farmer to Farmer”, Epsilon Sigma Phi Global Relations Adobe Connect presentation (12/10/14)  “Food Safety from Farm to Fork”, Eldorado Springs (12/12/14)  “Developing an On-Farm Food Safety Plan”, Eldorado Springs (12/12/14)  “Update on Food Safety Modernization Act”, Eldorado Springs (12/12/14) Coordinated:  Master Gardeners of Greene County: board meeting, Springfield (12/1/14); chapter meeting, Springfield (12/9/14)  Springfield Plateau Master Naturalists: board meeting, Springfield (12/10/14); meeting, Springfield (12/15/14)  Mentoring activities with Robert Balek, MU Extension regional horticulture specialist  Horticulture soil test reports - recommendations and distribution for SW region – 8 reports during reporting period

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

Participated in:  Missouri Grown curriculum development teleconference (12/1/14)  ConnExt evening reception, Columbia (12/1/14)  MELD VI meeting, St. Louis (12/2Patrick Byers 12/5/14) Horticulture  Ozarks Technical byerspl@missouri.edu College Agr/TLM program advisory board meeting, Springfield (12/9/14)  Greene County Soil and Water Conservation District board meeting, Springfield (12/16/14) Upcoming programming and events  “Home Fruit Production”, Master Gardener core training, Barry County Master Gardeners, Cassville (1/6/15)  Coordination of berry sessions at the Great Plains Growers Conference, St. Joseph (1/8/15-1/10/15)  “Update on the Midwest Small Fruit and Viticulture Spray Guide”, Great Plains Growers Conference, St. Joseph (1/8/151/10/15)  “Getting Started in Produce Farming for Profit”, Webster County Diversified Agriculture Conference, Marshfield (1/17/15)  2015 Master Gardeners of Greene County core training orientations, Springfield (1/28/15, 1/29/15)  “The Secrets of Saving Seeds”, Springfield/ Greene County Public Library presentations, Springfield (1/21/15)

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4-H / Master Naturalists

MDC and Missouri 4-H Partnering on MDC Shooting Range User Survey

gram, provides higher education scholarships, and recognizes 4-H volunteers. MU Extension 4-H is a community of 276,921 youths from across Missouri learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.

Missouri has a rich history of hunting and shooting sports, including being a national leader in public shooting range development. For more information about MDC shooting ranges, including locations, hours, and driving directions, visit mdc.mo.gov/ node/6209.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is partnering with the Missouri 4-H Foundation to get public input on services and usage of many of MDC’s unstaffed shooting ranges across the state.

The partnership involves a year-long survey where University of Missouri Extension 4-H staff will ask MDC shooting range users to participate in a exit survey about experiences using the ranges.

Surveys will be conducted at approximately 40 MDC unstaffed shooting ranges from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2015. Participation in the survey is completely voluntary.

Missouri is a national leader in providing free, publicly-owned shooting ranges with MDC maintaining 70 unstaffed and five staffed shooting ranges around the state.

“The Missouri Department of Conservation’s shooting ranges provide safe places to practice shooting and archery skills for Missouri citizens,” said MDC Hunting Education and Shooting Range Coordinator Kyle Lairmore. “This user survey will help Exit surveys like the one above will be done by 4-H. us better understand the needs of people using the ranges.”

MDC partnered with Missouri 4-H for the survey because of their mutual interest and long-standing involvement in promoting shooting sports across the state.

“Missouri 4-H is a national leader in youth shooting sports with a significant interest in the quality of The Missouri Master Naturalist Program the experience at the shooting ranges in our state, so results from a partnership created in 2004 we’re very pleased to implement this important probetween the Missouri Department of gram on behalf of MDC and the public,” said Missouri Conservation (MDC) and MU Extension 4-H Foundation Executive Director Cheryl (MUE). The Missouri Master Naturalist Reams. “We encourage range users to participate in Program is recognized as a “named and this survey to help MDC to continue providing the branded” program within MU Extension. best facilities for our states’ hunting and shooting enThe MU School of Natural Resources is thusiasts.” the academic home for the Program. See Celebrating 64 years of service to 4-H youth, the www.springfieldmasternaturalist.com or Missouri 4-H Foundation secures and manages funds springfieldmn.blogspot.com/ for the MU Extension 4-H Youth Development Pro-

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

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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 Carl Hathcock Avis Holloway Rebecca Hoy Galen Jones Dr. Jeff Jones Master Gardeners of Greene County 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 Springfield Watergarden Society Stephen Taylor Ronald & Sue Terry Gene Wallace

A sincere thank you to our donors (listed at left) who have helped to kick-off the 2015 campaign for Friends of Greene County Extension with an early gift in November or December. Our goal is to raise $35,000 in 2015 from individuals who care about the mission of MU Extension locally. Gifts can be made using a credit card online at http://extension.missouri.edu/greene.

Pat Ware, member of Master Gardeners and President of the Springfield Watergarden Society (left) and Missy Sanford , President of the Master Gardeners (right) present George Deatz with a $500 check for Friends of Greene County Extension from the fall garden tour organized by the Master Gardeners of Greene County and the Springfield Watergarden Society. The presentation was made during the November council meeting. The tour stops were highlighted in our September newsletter.

Friends of Greene County Extension

Total Contributed: Cash = $7,022

Since 1914, Greene County residents have sought help in agriculture, gardening, 4-H youth, nutrition, families, business and community development from Extension. Members of “Friends of Greene County Extension” contribute financially to make it possible for Extension to continue having a positive impact on the quality of life in Greene County. To learn how you can help by contributing go to extension.missouri.edu/greene or call (417) 881-8909.

Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated December 19, 2014

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 

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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