October 2013 "Reaching Out Report"

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

October 2013 * Vol. 5, Issue 10

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Upcoming events … page 2 Master Gardeners … pages 3 Master Naturalists … page 4 Pam Duitsman… page 5-6 ACA programming … pages 7 Nutrition … pages 8 David Burton … pages 9-10 Agriculture programs … pages 11-13 4-H Report … page 14 Patrick Byers … pages 15-17 Friends Kickoff … pages 18 Updated Friends list … page 17&19 Sponsors & Partners page 20

Online Event Calendar The most up-to-date list of reported upcoming MU Extension programs in Greene County is available online at extension.missouri.edu/greene

Calendar is visible on right side of page.

Forecasting with Persimmon Seeds This coming winter is going to be colder than average with an average snow fall according to persimmon seeds. “It’s a cherished bit of Ozarks folklore that the shape of the tiny seedling inside a persimmon seed can predict conditions in the upcoming winter,” said Patrick Byers, extension horticulture specialist.

“It is not a research-based way to forecast the weather but once a year it is a fun tongue-in-check project and a way to educate people about this unique native Ozark fruit tree.” According to Ozarks folklore, a spoon shape on the seed indicates above average snowfall, a knife shape signals colder than normal temperatures and a fork shape means warmer than average temperatures.

See Patrick’s video on http://www.youtube.com/MUExtension417.

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 October 30, 2013

Selected Upcoming Extension Events in Greene County Business Development Classes

Stay Strong, Stay Healthy

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

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

East meeting room of Botanical Center, taught by Greene County Extension 881-8909 Age: Adults 50 and up Date: Every Mon.: Feb. 3 - April 14 Time: 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Fee: $40 per person

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

Sessions available in 2013: Nov. 7, Dec. 5; and sessions available in 2014: Feb. 6, March 6, April 3 and May 1 Time: 9 a.m. to noon Fee: $20 per person, per session Registration available online. Age: All ages

Coming to Greene County …

Annie’s Project Greene County Extension will host an Annie’s Project program during early 2014. The course provides mentoring for farm women with varying levels of business skills.

The goal is to empower farm women and help them make better management decisions

through networking and by using critical financial information. The course is to provide

mentoring for farm women with varying levels of business skills.

The course will be Program Calendar Online taught by MU Extension specialists and The most up-to-date list of reported special guest speakers upcoming MU Extension programs in over the course of six Greene County is available online at different sessions. Prohttp://extension.missouri.edu/greene gram facilitators will be Calendar visible on right side of page. David Burton and Gordon Carriker.

Low Cost, No Cost Energy Savers

When: Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2013, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Where: OACAC Greene County Neighborhood Center, 560 N Stewart Ave, Springfield Description: Low Cost, No Cost Energy Savers helps participants identify home weatherization issues and wasteful home energy consumption, while offering inexpensive solutions that they can pursue immediately. Emphasis is placed on determining the aspects that the can have the greatest impact for the least investment and effort. This is a Life Skills program offering for OACAC clients. In this session, MU Extension handouts, presentation and demonstrations are combined with two video segments from the film "Kilowatt Ours" to teach weatherization and home energy conservation.

Registration: Limited to OACAC clients.

Facilitator: Jeff Barber, 417/881-8909

Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated October 30, 2013

Master Gardeners of Greene County Become a Master Gardener – 2014 Training in Greene County Master Gardeners of Greene County Chapter February 18 – April, 2014 (six weeks) Evenings, Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6-9 pm For more information about becoming a member of the Master Gardener organization, or to be added to the list for the next training, email us with your first and last name, email, and phone number at mg.greenecounty@gmail.com with “Training” in the subject heading.

You will be notified of orientation dates once they are announced in late January. Attendance to orientation is mandatory in order to register for training.

Just as plants need nutrients, sun and oxygen to grow, Extension Master Gardeners need enthusiastic volunteers to thrive. Community service is at the core of the Master Gardener program in Springfield, MO and each year brings a new opportunity for area plant and garden enthusiasts to take our Master Gardener training and join our family of volunteers.

You don’t have to be an expert gardener to become a member. Participants receive 30 hours of classroom training, and as an intern, pledge to contribute 30 hours of volunteer service during the first year. When achieved, you have earned the title of Certified Master Gardener and 20 hours annually are required to maintain member status.

Training typically beings each year in February and alternates day or evening classes every other year. There is a fee for the training which includes the Missouri Master Gardener Core Manual which contains 14 guides: one guide

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

The Master Gardener Program is a popular and successful statewide volunteer communityservice 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.

about the program policies and 13 detailed guides on a variety of horticultural topics.

As a benefit of continued service, Extension Master Gardeners may attend advanced horticultural training and most educational programs free of charge.

2014 MG Training – Greene County is February 18 – April, 2014 (six weeks), evenings, Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6-9 pm Odd Numbered Years – 2015 MG Training – Greene County. February – April Afternoons, Tuesdays & Thursdays, 1-4 pm

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Master Naturalists Springfield Plateau Missouri Master Naturalists Chapter: Ranks to Swell to Nearly 100 The Springfield Plateau Chapter of Missouri Master Naturalists of 60+ memThe Missouri Master Naturalist Program results bers will be joined Oct. 29 with 30 new from a partnership created in 2004 between the intern members as they complete their Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and formal training and graduate to Master MU Extension (MUE). These two organizations are Naturalists in Training. Over the course the sponsors of the program at the state level. The Missouri Master Naturalist Program is recognized of the next 12 months, these newbies will as a “named and branded” educational program complete required volunteer hours and within MU Extension. The MU School of Natural additional training hours to become certiResources is the academic home for the Program. fied Master Naturalists.

Learn more www.springfieldmasternaturalist.com.

Last year, the chapter’s members turned in more than 7,000 hours of service and education to retain the chapter’s information table at Bass Pro’s Outdoor Days and hold on most-average hours-per-person in assisted the Watershed Committee with school the state. Members are well on their way field trips at Valley Water Mill Park. Springfield to significantly surpassing the 2012 total. and Nixa Public Schools and Girl Scouts also Master Naturalists typically don’t cre- have invited Master Naturalists into classrooms ate their own projects. Instead they step and meetings for presentations on bison, furup as volunteers for worthy “naturalist” bearing animals, insects and other critters. needs in the area or for projects of partner Looking ahead, the chapter plans to host the organizations. For example, earlier this 2015 Missouri Master Naturalists Conference, year, members volunteered for James which will bring hundreds of River Basin Partnership members from the state’s 12 Looking ahead, the and Friends of the Garchapters to Springfield. As one den projects. chapter plans to host member said, “That will create This fall, members some cash flow in Greene County the 2015 Missouri have planted native and give the Springfield Plateau Master Naturalists plants at Hickory Hills Chapter the kind of positive, high Middle School, planted -profile publicity that the Greene Conference, which rain gardens with Wawill bring hundreds of County Master Gardeners retershed Committee of ceived in September when it hostmembers from the the Ozarks at Campbell ed that organization’s state conAve. and Mt. Vernon in state’s 12 chapters to ference.”

Springfield, counted Springfield. quail coveys with Greater Ozarks Audubon Society, monitored water quality in several area streams, staffed an Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

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Nutrition Specialist Health Insurance Education Initiative Two classes were held in Springfield in October, educating 65 individuals.  Pam is providing education to increase knowledge and skills needed to make informed health insurance decisions.  The MU Extension Education Initiative program offers: Awareness – who is eligible for what, how to obtain insurance, etc.; General health insurance literacy information; Unbiased pre-enrollment education for informed health insurance decision-making; Education on how to use the plan purchased; and Connect Missourians with resources  Pam is working with the SW MO partnership to provide coordinated programing to reach audiences in Greene and other counties.

Chronic Disease Self-Management A six-week series was held in Springfield in October. Subjects covered include: techniques to deal with problems such as frustration, fatigue, pain and isolation; appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength, flexibility, and endurance; appropriate use of medications; communicating effectively with health professionals; nutrition; and how to evaluate new treatments.

The popularity of this class continues to

grow, and spread beyond the Springfield area. A recent study published in the Journal of Aging and Health reported on six-month outcome findings for this program.

Some hallmark findings, consistent with surveys in the Springfield classes, include: Duitsman  Improvement of health outcomes and reduction of health care utilization  Decreased activity limitations and depression symptoms  Improved communication with health care provider  Improvements in self-assessed health, quality of life, fatigue, and sleep problems  Improvements in pain and shortness of breath  A significant improvement in ER visits and hospitalization  Findings indicate significant savings of health care costs  Findings stress importance of encouraging increased patient referrals to this program Marketing and business plan: In October, community partners (including those from Cox and Mercy) met to discuss program outcomes, marketing ideas, and to review program updates.

Next Page

In photo at right: Pam Duitsman and Becky Lafferty from Jordan Valley Health Center facilitate a Chronic Disease Self-Management class. In photo at left: one of the discussion pieces used in the CDSM class.

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

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Nutrition Specialist—Continued Stay Strong Stay Healthy 11-week course – The current Springfield course runs from Aug. 26 through Nov. 18. This strength training class focuses on improving strength, flexibility and balance for middle-aged to senior adults. The class has been shown to promote a healthier, more active lifestyle, and increase bone density, reduce falls, improve arthritis symptoms, and increase flexibility in middle-aged and older adults. The next Springfield class begins Feb. 24, 2014.

Local Food and Farm Guide Committee – Pam is working with a Greene County committee to develop a resource to help connect the community to local producers. This work is a joint project of the Ozarks Regional Food Policy Council; Food CORE; HLA (Healthy Living Alliance) and MU Extension.

Food Day Event, Greene County – Nutrition Education events held over the last four months culminated at the Food Day Harvest Party, held at Founder’s Park in Springfield.

tion and art, economic and philanthropic efforts. The information gathered through this assessment will be used to guide future community health planning.

Other Programming and Grant work during October: Meetings with State Department of Health to partner on providing Mental Health programming to county constituents.

Meetings with Lincoln University to partner on programs focused on Aging Successfully.

Healthy Lifestyle Initiative, Christian County Chronic Disease Self-Management, Webster County AFRI grant work: This grant pays for a significant amount of Pam’s salary, and is the focus of much of her work. In October, ten meetings were held, and multiple work projects were developed to assist successful formation and development of Food Policy Councils in the State of Missouri. Goal of the grant: increase community food security.

One-on-one community contacts and communication in October: Telephone; e-mail; office visits for consultation and advisement: 37

Springfield-Greene County Health Department MAPP to Health (Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships) developed by the National Association of County and City Health Officials. Pam represents MU Extension in this effort, which will include an assessment evaluating all areas of the public health system, which includes healthcare providers, public safety agencies, environmental agencies, and organizations that focus on human service and charity, educaCommunity partners meet to discuss marketing and business plan for Chronic tion and youth development, recrea- Disease Self-Management program.

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

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Greene County “Reaching Out� Report

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Affordable Care Act Extension Specialists Helping to Educate Public about ACA Janet LaFon and Nellie Lamers teamed up to teach a Health Insurance Education Initiative presentation in Springfield on Oct 1. The audience was primarily Mercy Hospital employees from around the area, including some from Kansas and Arkansas. There were a few general public participants. 54 participants signed in, some attendees did not sign in.

The session covered information on the Affordable Care Act and consumers rights and responsibilities under the ACA as well as some health insurance basics. Questions were taken at the end of the session.

More sessions are planned in Springfield

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

and surrounding counties.

An updated list of classes that are already scheduled can be found online at http:// extension.missouri.edu/insure/ families.aspx. Additional programs in Springfield and Greene County are being planned.

MU Extension is providing this information to help Missouri residents make in- Nellie Lamers formed health insurance decisions by understanding options and responsibilities outlined in the Affordable Care Act. MU Extension provides factual information on public policies such as the ACA. Janet LaFon

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Family Nutrition Education Program Becky Roark Sherri Hull Jenni Nevatt Marty Wood No programming for this month. See announcement for explanation.

Roark

Hull

Wood

Nevatt

Announcement made Oct. 3, 2013 prepare for the resumption of normal operations From Dr. Ouart, MU Extension when and if the budget situation is resolved.

It is with great difficulty that I inform you of These dedicated 100-plus MU Extension emthe severe impact caused by the shutdown of the ployees work in more than 1,150 Missouri sites, federal government to University of Missouri including nearly 800 schools. They reach nearly Extension. The Missouri Department of Social 260,000 students and 78,000 adults in the state Services advised us to consider suspending all with nutrition and health information. programming that is funded through federal It is also important to realize that there is the SNAP-Ed grants. The state is concerned that potential of similar impacts on our Business Dewith the uncertainty surrounding the shutdown, velopment Program, which also has significant they might not receive funds designated for MU federal funding. At this time, we do not have any Extension’s Family Nutrition Program. information to indicate a need for similar action.

This funding directly affects more than 100 of our FNP employees. When evaluating the significant financial repercussions that would follow a suspension of the program, subsequent layoffs, and the challenge of restarting the program if the funding loss is temporary, we are being cautiously optimistic. We greatly value each employee’s contribution to our mission, and we will do everything in our power to minimize the effect of this shutdown. Instead of immediately laying off these 100-plus employees, MU Extension is providing funding for their salaries through Oct. 21, 2013. If Family Nutrition Education Program there is not a federal budget res2160 W. Chesterfield Blvd. Suite F200 olution in place by this date, we Chesterfield Village, Springfield, Mo. will, unfortunately, have to Tel: 417-886-2059 begin layoffs.

Call the office to inquire about nutrition education.

Effective at 5 p.m. today, we are suspending all teaching and training activities that receive federal SNAP-Ed funding.

Expenditures will be kept to an absolute minimum. Employees who deliver FNP education will use the coming weeks to communicate cancellations to Williams Edmondson DeFord Fossett schools and constituents and

As of Oct. 21, 2013, nutrition programming in the region has been restarted following a two week stoppage.

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

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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: 9,398 weekly  Requests for advisement: 18  Regular weekly news columns: 16  TV/Radio Interviews – 3  Total articles written this month – 38 TEAM WORK / PROGRAMS / GRANTS  Edited monthly “Reaching Out Report”  Updates to Greene County extension website  State community development meeting COUNTY PROGRAM DIRECTOR DUTIES  Financial review and oversight, travel authorizations, and budget work.  Attending relevant Park Board and Greene County Commission monthly meetings.  Council budget committee meeting PROGRAMS  Pesticide certification in Oct. 17  Working on a new curriculum for a business writing class that will be offered in 2014.

David wrote curriculum for writing retreat in the garden held Oct. 3 with 4 attendees. Next program is Nov. 7, weather permitting.

FUNDRAISING  New campaign will kick off with a fall mailing to past contributors and partners.  Have three grant applications downloaded for review and possible submission in 2013.

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

BOOKS FOR SALE The sale of my two books: “History of Rural Schools in Greene County” and “Driving Tour of One-Room Schools in the Ozarks” has generated over $100 for the local office.

Also launched a new David Burton book about using social Civic communication media in disaster recovery burtond@missouri.edu and it also will benefit the local county office.

SOCIAL MEDIA REACH (September 2013) These numbers represent the reach during that headline time period only via all of the regional extension social media tools: 167,892.

MO HISTORIC SCHOOLS ALLIANCE Preparing to kick off the 2014 membership drive for the Missouri Historic Schools Alliance. Hope to expand this project with a local tour and signs for historic schools as part of this community development effort. I am also helping to plan and host the 2014 national conference of the Country School Association of America in St. Joe, Mo. ANNUAL CONFERENCE Display featured, Friends campaign honored Attended the Annual MU Extension Conference at the end of the month. Was asked to showcase our “Day in the Life of Extension” display during the conference as an example for other regions and counties. This display is available for other venues as well and shows the impact Extension has on just one selected day of the year. David Burton was also honored with a UMEA award and the “Friends of Greene County Extension” was recognized as a top program effort in 2013.

BUSINESS PLAN I helped to lead and teach an online class Oct. 25 for county program directors statewide about developing a council business plan. The Greene County plan was used as a model.

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Now Available for Purchase Now on Amazon Online cost: $4.99 plus shipping or purchase a copy at Greene County Extension office inside the Botanical Center, $5.

Authors: David Burton, Rebecca Williams and Genevieve Williams Paperback: 28 pages Publisher: CreateSpace (Sept. 26, 2013) ISBN-10: 149106417X ISBN-13: 978-1491064177 Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 0.1 inches About this book: Learn how Joplin Tornado Info started a national revolution in the use of social media during disaster recovery. It used to be that in the event of a natural disaster, people would tune in their radios.

That may still hold true, but a newer form of technology proved a fruitful means of disseminating information after an EF-5 tornado hit Joplin, Mo. in May of 2011 and an EF-2 tornado skated across Branson on Feb. 29, 2012. Both events had something in common: a volunteer led effort to use social media to inform members of the public connect with needed resources and to help volunteers stay out of the way.

Greene County Extension Councils Approves...

RESOLUTION ON USE TAX BE IT RESOLVED We the elected members of the Greene County Extension Council approve this resolution in support of the proposed Use Tax for Greene County, Mo. Missouri State Law establishes Extension Councils and recognizes them as part of county government. As a result of the 2008 economic downturn, Greene County Extension has been underfunded similar to other county programs.

This council recognizes that Greene County needs additional funds to meets its obligations and responsibilities to county residents.

A use tax offers one opportunity to generate these much needed funds in a way that is fair and similar to what other local governments do. It is for that reason our council urges its members and Extension supporters to vote in favor of the Greene County use tax on the Nov. 5, 2013, ballot.

Approved: October 28, 2013 Signed:

Carl Allison, chairman of the Greene County Extension Council

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

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Agriculture in Greene County

Private Pesticide Applicator Training held Oct. 17 A private pesticide applicator training was offered Thursday, Oct. 17, 2013, at the Greene County Extension office. A total of 15 people attended this fall class. The program is normally offered in late winter also and typically draws bigger crowds.

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 three hour training program allows individuals to recertify or receive initial training to be licensed to purchase or use restricted -use pesticides for five years,” said Tim Schnakenberg, an agronomy specialist with University of Missouri Extension and instructor for the class.

This training was open to producers of

agricultural commodities, 18 years of age or older.

Participants will be required to purchase the Private Pesticide Applicator Reference Manual for $12 and pay a small materials fee for a total class fee of $15.

Tim Schankenberg (left) had plenty of questions after the three-hour training also. He is now the agronomy specialist that covers Greene County.

Performance Evaluated Bulls to Sell Oct. 28 in Springfield; Event Includes Extension Program at 5:30 p.m.

The Southwest Missouri Beef Cattle Improvement Association’s tested bull sale begins at 7 p.m., Oct. 28 at the Springfield Livestock Marketing Center, Springfield. This sale was first held in 1973 to allow purebred cattle breeders to pool their onfarm tested bulls together for marketing.

This fall sale marks the 82nd sale and will consist of 34 Angus and 2 Polled Herefords.

A 30-minute program on understanding EPDs and other bull buying thoughts will be given by extension specialists at 5:30 p.m. on the 28th in the sale ring at the yards.

Catalogs are available by contacting Pam Naylor, sale manager at 417-345-8330 or by calling your University of Missouri Extension regional livestock specialist. The catalog is also available online at www.swmobcia.com.

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

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Agriculture in Greene County Extension Booth at Farm Fest The following Extension specialists were involved in the Ozarks Fall Farm Fest in Springfield Oct. 4-6: Eldon Cole, Jill Scheidt, Jodie Pennington, Bob Schultheis, John Hobbs, Andy McCorkill, Tim Schnakenberg, Logan Wallace, and Ted Probert. The counties where these specialists are housed absorbed the travel costs. There was no cost to Greene County.

The three-day event attracted some 40,000 visitors (both full-time and hobby farmers) from Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Illinois. Many sought advice from the Extension specialists at their booth, which displayed information on pasture weeds and control options, cattle theft and branding options, the Lawrence County 4-H Steer Project, getting peak quality from baleage, and comparisons of hay savings from big bale feeders.

“This event brought a lot of visitor income to the county, so it was with reluctance and some embarrassment that we had to tell attendees from Greene County that we are not able to provide full service to county residents because of the limited county funding for MU Extension,” said Bob Schultheis, NatuSchultheis ral Resource Engineering Specialist in Webster County.

The Extension booth this year (shown below) featured information on preventing cattle theft and dealing with pesky field weeds.

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

Field display: knapweed, thistle and more.

Display: protecting against cattle theft.

Tim Schnakenberg (left) helping a visitor.

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Agriculture in Greene County

Managementintensive Grazing School Held in Bois D’Arc for Area Landowners The last Managementintensive Grazing (MiG) School in southwest Missouri during 2013 took place Oct. 22-24 in Bois D’Arc at the Andy Dalton Shooting Range classroom and nearby farmland.

Producers who follow the MiG system manage for both the benefit of livestock and forage. Livestock graze in each pasture long enough to harvest the forage but are moved before eating too much of the leaf area. The result is lower feed costs and improved forage production. That means more money in the pocket of the beef cattle producer.

Grazing schools started in 1995. Since that time, the schools have been held at various locations, dates and in different formats to meet the diverse needs of livestock producers.

To date, literally thousands of individuals have attended the schools to learn about the basic principles and practices of MiG. University of Missouri Extension specialists from southwest Missouri — like Agronomy Specialist Tim Schnakenberg — taught many of the sessions during the school.

As seen in the pictures at right, the MiG school involves teaching in a variety of settings: traditional classroom, farm fields, and barn lots.

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

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4-H Report for Greene County MU Extension's 4-H youth development program touches the lives of about 250 young people in Greene County, empowering them to reach their full potential.

Searching for 4-H Alumni If you are a past member or volunteer with Greene County 4-H, we want to hear from you and know how to contact you. In exchange for sharing your contact information, we will keep you updated on exciting events and news impacting 4-H locally. Just contact our local office.

Current Clubs in the County 4-H Beach Club meets at the Hovey House in northwest Springfield.

Bois D’Arc Braves 4-H Club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the third Monday of the month at the Bois D’Arc United Methodist Church in Bois D'Arc. Denim and Dust Family 4-H Club Hare Raisers Family 4-H Club High Mark 4-H Club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month at the Strafford VFW in Strafford.

Horsin’ Around 4-H Club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Monday of the month at the Republic Saddle Club or Meadowview Baptist Church, Republic, Mo.

More About 4-H As the largest out-of-school youth organization in the world, 4-H is open to all boys and girls, ages 5 to18. Children who are five to seven years old are eligible for 4-H Clover Kids, an introductory program. Youths who are 8 to 18 years of age can select from a variety of 4-H projects and activities that stress social and life skills in areas such as decision making, communication, social interaction, civic responsibility and physical skills. Children not have to live on a farm to join 4-H. Project opportunities include computers, robotics, foods and nutrition, horticulture, large and small animals and more.

Missouri 4-H is University of Missouri Extension's youth development program.

Neon 4-H Club meets at 4:30 p.m. on the second Monday of the month in downtown Springfield.

Sac River Stablemates 4-H Club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month at the Sac River Stables northeast of Willard.

Sho-Me 4-H Club meets at 7 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month at the Fair Grove Lion’s Club, Fair Grove.

Springfield Aggies 4-H Club meet at 6:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month at the Rutledge -Wilson Farm Park, Springfield.

Stars ‘n Steeds 4-H Club meets at 7 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month at the Willard Community Center.

Jot-Em-Down 4-H Club meets at 2 p.m. on the first Sunday of each month at the St. Elmo School, north of Republic.

Lucky Eleven 4-H Club meets on Sunday afternoons at the Springfield Livestock Center, north of Republic.

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

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Horticulture Specialist Community Contact: TV and Radio  4 live interviews—KOLR10’s Chris Smith  4 radio interviews with Morris Westfall for “Farm Page of the Air”  1 interview - Michelle Skalicky, KSMU radio Print media  Contributed to several articles and interviews Social Media  Cooperated with David Burton to produce the video “Persimmons Predict Cold 2013 Winter,” available on YouTube.

Requests for information  Telephone contacts – 40 for advisement  Email contacts – 38 contacts  Office visits, professional contacts – 1 for consultation and advisement  Farm site visits – 8 for advisement Programs Presented:  “Home Fruit Production,” Newton County Master Gardener Training, Neosho (10/3/13)  “MU Extension in Greene County,” Rotary Club monthly meeting, Springfield (10/10/13)  “Waterwise Gardening,” Cherry Court Garden Club, Springfield (10/10/13)  “Plant Propagation,” Master Gardeners of the Ozarks training, Branson West (10/17/13)  “Plant Propagation,” Christian County Master Gardener core training, Ozark (10/17/13)  “All About Heirloom Tomatoes,” Springfield Organic Gardening Club meeting, (10/24/13) Coordinated:  Display and demonstration at the Earth Stewardship Fair, Botanical Center, (10/3/13)  Springfield Plateau Master Naturalist training field trip (10/5/13)  Master Gardeners of Greene County board meeting (10/7/13)  Master Gardeners of Greene County chapter meeting (10/8/13)  Springfield Plateau Master Naturalists board meeting, Springfield (10/9/13)  Farmers Park demonstration orchard project, Springfield (10/11/13, 10/24/13)  Pruning workshop for Drury University grounds maintenance crew (10/16/13)

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

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Midwest Winter Vegetable Production tour (10/21/13) Master Gardeners of Greene County Hotline Development meeting, (10/21/13) Springfield Plateau Master Naturalists chapter meeting, Patrick Byers (10/21/13) Horticulture Horticulture soil test byerspl@missouri.edu reports for SW region – 53 reports

Participated in:  MU Extension Metropolitan Food Systems Team meeting, Columbia (9/30/13)  Training for test writers, SW Regional Envirothon, MDC Nature Center, (10/2/13)  Soil Health ISE, Columbia (10/8/13-10/9/13)  FOG garden committee and board meetings, Springfield (10/10/13) Upcoming programming  Planting party, Farmers Park demonstration orchard project, Springfield (10/26/13)  “Commercial Potential for Tree Fruits in Missouri,” Small Farm Today conference and trade show, Columbia (11/1/13)  Regional Food Safety on the Farm Conference, Joplin (11/5-6/13)  “Local and Regional Marketing Opportunities,” Granjeros y Rancheros Latinos workshop series, Monett (11/10/13)  “Fireblight,” guest lecture for MSU Plant Pathology class, Springfield (11/12/13)  “Making Wine at Home,” Master Gardeners of Greene County meeting, (11/12/13)  Regional Envirothon competition, Springfield (11/13/13)  “Spotted Wing Drosophila - Cultural Management Options,” Jefferson City (11/20/13)  “Home Fruit Production,” Master Gardeners training, Branson West and Ozark (11/21/13) See NEXT PAGE

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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated October 30, 2013

Horticulture Specialist—Continued Human interest: Regional – The Midwest Winter Vegetable Production project concluded with a tour on Oct. 21 of 4 farmers who are producing vegetables for fall and winter markets. Greg Braker farms near Oronogo, and uses 2 high tunnels to extend the growing season for tomato and to produce lettuces and Hmong farmers visit Dennis Hatfield’s strawberry fields during the cole crops for winter Midwest Winter Vegetable Production farm tour. markets. Tim Green’s farm is near Galena, KS, and includes 3 high tunnels, one of which is mato production. The Midwest Winter Vegheated. Teng Yang, whose farm is near Granetable project is funded in part with a Misby, produces a range of cold tolerant crops souri Department of Agriculture Specialty with a high tunnel, low tunnels, and row coCrops block grant, and is a cooperative provers. Dennis Hatfield specializes in tomato ject of MU Extension, Lincoln University, and strawberry on a farm near Pierce City; he and Webb City Farmers Market. uses a heated greenhouse for late season to-

Tour participants learn about protected winter vegetable production in a high tunnel .

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

Page 16

Donation period runs from October 1 to Sept. 30

2014 Contributors to “Friends of Greene County Extension” Corporate Level

Patron Level Friends of the Garden George Deatz

Sponsor Level

Horticulture—Continued Local – Patrick Byers was invited by Mrs. Catherine Gilpin, science teacher at Phelps Center for Gifted Education in Springfield, to visit her classes and discuss soils and the niches that soils have in southwest Missouri. Patrick prepared curriculum for the 4 classes of 4-5th graders, and the presentations were held on Sept.18 and Oct. 10, 14, and 15. The classes included demonstrations of soil texture, soil pH, soil nutrient levels, and soil physical properties. Discussion topics included human/soil interactions, careers for those interested in soils, soil chemistry, soil biology, and soil physical properties. In particular the students were interested in how human activity impacts soils. As a practical exercise the class assessed the soil at a proposed site for a monarch butterfly way station.

Contributor Level Carl Allison Ann Hall

Friends Level Avis Holloway

Partner Level

Associate Level Mardell Bontrager

Students at Phelps Center for Gifted Education in Springfield conducting a soil texture analysis.

An equal opportunity/ADA institution

Total Cash Raised: $2,528

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

2014 “Friends” Campaign Has Begun

By George Deatz

This is not enough to continue office operaThanks to the Master tions. Because of that Gardeners, Friends of over the last year we the Garden memhave lost two excellent bers and many others regional specialists repthroughout the commu- resenting Youth Develnity who invested in opment 4-H and Human our first successDevelopment. Both ful "Friends of Greene were in demand in County Extension" de- Greene County. They are velopment campaign now assigned to other which ended Sept. 30. counties who do provide We also want to adequate funding. thank the Greene CounWe are proud to say ty taxpayers and the one person who has Greene County Comavoided transfer up to missioners for providthis point is our Hortiing excellent Extencultural Specialist, Patsion office space in the rick Byers. Why? BeBotanical Center. This cause of what the many location enables Exten- Master Gardeners and sion to bring excellent others have been able to programing to the resi- accomplish with private dents of Greene County fundraising.... a year and the region. It alold concept to keep MU so provides a place for Extension operating in the public to take adGreene County. vantage of many ExRather than try to tension services. What thank each one in person a great partnership we please look over the list enjoy with the Springof 150 "Friends of field-Greene County Greene County ExtenPark Board. sion" members (see list However Greene link below). Thanks County Extension has again to each member had to develop the abil- who invested in "Friends ity to generate much of Greene County Extenof its needed operation- sion" over the last 12 al funds privately from months, contributions the community. The generated $27,662 in amount of annual fund- cash, $11,776 in-kind. ing from the Greene October 1st was the County budget process important kickoff is not enough to sustain date for the 2014 ongoing operations.

"Friends of Greene Over the last few years County Extension" fundwe have seen Greene raising campaign.

County funding drop to The 2014 goal is the state mandated min- $30,000 cash, less than imum of $10,000. a 10% increase in cash

Friends of the Garden kicked off Greene County Extension’s 2014 campaign with a gift of $1,028. Above, FOG president Lisa Bakerink presents check to George Deatz, vice-president of the Greene County Extension Council. collections from 2013.

When combined with an adequate share of the Greene County budget (around $27,000 minimum is being requested) should see the Greene County Extension office operations through.

To start the contribution stream for the new campaign, Lisa Bakerink, president of Friends of the Garden, presented the Council a contribution from Friends of the Garden for $1,028 on Sept. 30.

Including the initial

2014 contribution by Friends of the Garden plus other investments we have started the 2014 fundraising campaign off with over $2,000.

Now it's your turn to please pick up a "Friends" flyer, take out your check book and help us reach our 2014 fundraising goal with your taxdeductible gift.

With continued support like yours we will not fail this coming year!

Give online at http://extension.missouri.edu

An equal opportunity/ADA institution

Total Cash Raised: $ * Total In-Kind Raised: $

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

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

Friends Level

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

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

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

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

An equal opportunity/ADA institution

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

Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated October 30, 2013

Corporate Sponsors      



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

Extension Partner Meetings st

rd

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

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

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

Greene County Extension Office located inside the Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, Mo. 65807 Tel: (417) 881-8909 Fax (417) 823-4818 Office hours: Monday - Friday * 8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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

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

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

Master Naturalists Board Meetings: The board meets at 5:30pm at the MDC regional office, on the second Wednesday of the month.

Master Gardeners of Greene County-membership meeting: Second Tuesday each month at 6:00 p.m. at the Botanical Center.

Can I Help?

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

Lorri Winters joined Extension in 2005.

Lorri Winters Office Manager

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

On Facebook Become a fan of MUExtension417 and get regular updates about programs and news from MU Extension in southwest Missouri. Find us at facebook.com/MUExtension417.

Each “Reaching Out Report” is used by Greene County Extension specialists to concisely communicate activities, contacts and events to members of the Greene County Extension Council and Greene County Commission. For more about this report contact the editor, David Burton, at (417) 881-8909.

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