may 2014

“Reaching Out Report” the Greene County Extension Newsletter

2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, Mo. 65807

Email: [email protected] * Tel: (417) 881-8909

May 2014 * Vol. 7, Issue 5

Upcoming events …

page 2

Council committees …

page 3

Patrick Byers …

pages 4

Master Gardeners …

pages 5-8

4-H Report …

pages 9-11

Pam Duitsman…

page 12-13

Nutrition program…

pages 15

Jeff Barber …

page 14

David Burton …

pages 16-17

Grants awarded …

page 18

Commissioner debate …

page 19-20

2014 Friends list …

page 21

Sponsors & Partners

page 22

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.

Online Event Calendar The most up-to-date list of re-

ported upcoming MU Extension

programs in Greene County is

available online at

extension.missouri.edu/greene

Calendar is visible on right

side of page.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Plant Lovers Enjoy Plant Sale Bargain shoppers had lots to smile about at the 16th annual Master

Gardener Plant Sale in Greene County held April 26 at the Springfield-

Greene County Botanical Center. Members of the Master Gardeners of

Greene County gather plants to sell from their own gardens and the

city gardens Master Gardeners maintain in Nathanael Greene-Close

Memorial Park and at the Xeriscape on South National. The fundraiser

helps Master Gardeners of Greene County maintain the public demon-

stration gardens and provide quality public educational programs.

http://extension.missouri.edu/greene

Selected Upcoming Extension Events in Greene County

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.

Organic Gardening Academy Topics will help you balance your garden with nat-

urally occurring products and practices. All classes

are at 6 p.m. Call MU Extension 881-8909

Jun 12 -- Growing Organic Vegetables at Home

Jun 19 -- Disease Scouting and Treatments

Jul 16 -- Organic Pest Control

Jul 31 -- Organic Weed Control

Aug 7 -- Organic Gardening for Pollinators and

Beneficial Insects

Aug 21 -- Garden Planning for the Next Season

Sep 18 -- Composting

Sep 30 -- Sustainable Gardening

Botanical Camps Kids (age 7-11) are invited to spend the morning

with Botanical staff, Extension specialists and vol-

unteers to connect with gardens. Call 891-1515

Date: June 2-6 and July 7-11 Gardening

June 9-13 and July 14-18 Arts in the Garden

June 16-20 and July 21-25 Bugs & Butterflies

Time: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Fee: $75/week; FOG members $50/week

Salute to Century Farms To be a sponsor or purchase tickets call Greene

County Extension at 417-881-8909

Sept. 30, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Fee: $25 per person

Held at the Round Barn Event Center between

Ash Grove and Willard

Get tickets at our office or order tickets online

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

Put on your jeans and

boots and come celebrate

our agricultural heritage

in an historical setting

and help honor the Cen-

tury Farms in Greene

County. Our guest

speaker will be David

Baker, Assistant Dean of Agriculture Extension at

the University of Missouri. He will discuss the

100 year history of Cooperative Extension and the

specific challenges facing family farms in the

coming 15-20 years. We will honor those being

named “Century Farms” this year and have musi-

cal entertainment provided by Acoustic Essays, a

traditional bluegrass and classic country band

based in Springfield. Over 110 farms in Greene

County have

been owned

and farmed

by the same

family for

over 100

years. That

is a great

example of

successful

family farm-

ing and a

good reason to celebrate. All proceeds from the

event will benefit the Greene County Extension

Council.

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 May 22, 2014

www.botanicalcenter.org

Round Barn Event Cnt.

Acoustic Essays

http://www.ws.missouristate.edu/sbdc

http://www.botanicalcenter.org

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu


Extension Council Committees

4-H ACTION: This committee works close-

ly with 4-H volunteers in the county.

MEDIA & MARKETING: This committee

works to evaluate and improve local media

and marketing efforts by helping to produce

content and materials.

ACTION COMMITTEE: Assist in coordi-

nating and implementing action steps with

the Commission and others to improve coun-

ty funding.

AGRICULTURE: This committee will

make decisions regarding agriculture pro-

grams in the county and funding for farm

visits in the county. Programs for this com-

mittee include soils and crops, Annie’s Pro-

ject and Salute to Century Farms.

FRIENDS OF GREENE COUNTY EX-

TENSION MEMBERSHIP DEVELOP-

MENT TEAM: This team is responsible for

developing contributions to Greene County

Extension for operations of the local office

and programs while also expanding member-

ship in the Friends of Greene County Exten-

sion.

HISTORIC SCHOOLS: This committee is

responsible for developing the Missouri His-

toric Schools Alliance program for Greene

County Extension. Including in this is a local

tour of historic schools and a statewide

“Century Schools” recognition program that

has the potential to generate funds for our

office. (This committee is currently filled

and closed).

To see the members of these committees

visit the Greene County Extension website

(http://extension.missouri.edu/greene) and

look under the county council tab or plans

and reports.

County Residents Can Serve

on Greene County Extension

Council Committees

The Greene County Extension Council

has opened its council committees up to

members of the public and inviting county

residents to volunteer for service.

Council committees can organize their

own meeting times and places, select their

own committee chairs, appoint non-council

members and give updates at council meet-

ings on the last Monday of each month.

“Serving on a council committee is a fun

way to serve Greene County and to get some

exposure to Greene County Extension,” said

David Burton, county program director in

Greene County and a civic communication

specialist for MU Extension. “With our recent

staff reductions, the volunteers who serve on

these committees really help to further the

reach and programming of MU Extension in

Greene County.”

Those wanting to serve should contact the

Greene County Extension office with their

contact information and the committees on

which they wish to serve. Email can be sent

to [email protected] or call (417) 881-

8909 to sign up for a committee.

The existing committees that are available

for signup include the following.

ELECTIONS: Work on logistics of council

election. Recruit potential candidates.

BUDGET & AUDITS: Review past budgets,

prepare budget for new year and conduct

council audits.

PERSONNEL: Review policies for Greene

County Extension and conduct review of

council staff.


mailto:[email protected]



Horticulture Specialist

reports during report-

ing period

Participated in:

Greene County Ex-

tension Council

meeting, (4/28/14)

Farmers Market of

the Ozarks board

planning meeting,

Springfield (4/29/14)

Horticulture IPM

teleconference,

Springfield (4/30/14)

Global Food Systems Thematic Team tele-

conference, Springfield (5/1/14)

Great Plains Growers Conference planning

teleconference, Springfield (5/1/14)

Jasper County horticulture specialist search

committee interviews, Joplin (5/6/14)

Skaggs Grant meeting, Branson (5/12/14)

GCSWCD board meeting, Springfield

(5/13/14)

FMO Regional Food Hub meeting, Spring-

field (5/13/14)

Upcoming programming

Meld VI Session 3, Hannibal (6/3/14-6/6/14)

First Thursday display, Farmers Market of

the Ozarks, Springfield (6/5/14)

First Friday informational display, Webb

City Farmers Market, Webb City (6/6/14)

Master Gardeners of Greene County board

meeting, Springfield (6/2/14), chapter meet-

ing, Springfield (6/10/14)

Springfield Plateau Master Naturalist Board

meeting, Springfield (6/11/14) and chapter

meeting (6/16/2014)

Master Gardeners of Greene County Hotline

Development meeting, Springfield (6/16/14)

“Comparing apples to apples – you can add

value to your current farming operation with

horticulture farming”, MU Extension Coun-

cil to Campus meeting, Columbia (6/20/14)

“Grape disease identification and manage-

ment”, Fruit Disease Management ISE, Jef-

ferson City (6/27/14)

Community Contact:

TV and Radio

2 live interviews - KOLR10’s Chris Smith

4 radio interviews with Morris Westfall’s

“Farm Page of the Air”

1 interview KSPR: eastern tent caterpillars

1 interview with Jodi Henke of national radio

program “Living the Country Life”, on grad-

ing produce for direct market

Requests for information

Telephone contacts – 53 for advisement

Email contacts – 33 contacts

Office visits, professional contacts – 8 for

consultation and advisement

Farm site visits – 5 for consultation

Programs Presented:

“Soil management for organic gardeners,”

Organic Gardening Academy, Springfield

(5/1/14)

“Organic soil nutrient management”, Organic

Gardening Academy, Springfield (5/6/14) –

delivered by Kelly McGowan

Coordinated:

Master Gardeners of Greene County annual

plant sale, Springfield (4/26/14)

Master Gardeners of Greene County Potting

Shed University classes, Botanical Center,

Springfield (4/28)

First Thursday informational display, Farmers

Market of the Ozarks, Springfield (5/1/14)

First Friday informational display, Webb City

Farmers Market, Webb City (5/2/14)

Master Gardeners of Greene County spring

banquet, Springfield (5/4/14)

Master Gardeners of Greene County board

meeting, Springfield (5/5/14)

Master Gardeners of Greene County chapter


Springfield Plateau Master Naturalist Board


Master Gardeners of Greene County Hotline

Development meeting, Springfield (5/19/14)

Springfield Plateau Master Naturalist chapter


Horticulture soil test reports - recommenda-

tions and distribution for SW region – 61

Patrick Byers Horticulture

[email protected]



Master Gardeners of Greene County

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 commu-

nity gardens, conducting workshops, participating

in a Master Gardener speakers’ bureau and staffing

the Master Gardener “Hotline.” The Master Gar-

deners of Greene County can boast of over 300

members. For more information visit the chapters

website at http://www.mggreene.org.

Kelly McGowan Horticulture Educator

University of Missouri

Extension

[email protected]

Japanese

Beetles Strawberries are

ripening, flowers are

blooming, summers on

the way….and Japa-

nese beetles are about

to emerge from their

winter slumber under-

ground.

Adult Japanese

Beetles will begin

emerging in the next

few weeks and will be

ready to feed. Unfortunately, they have a wide

range of host plants and drive gardeners crazy.

Hand removal can be effective if numbers are

low; the presence of beetles attracts more bee-

tles. Pyrethroids and carbaryl products can

provide protection for heavy infestations.

Traps can attract more beetles than are caught.

If used, place at least 50ft away from plants.

Spring Master Gardener Banquet The annual Master Gardener Spring Banquet

was May 4. At that banquet the 53 members of

the Class of 2014 officially became Master

Gardener interns and 31 members of the 2013

class who completed the required volunteer

hours officially became certified Master Gar-

deners. Special guests Gaylord Moore and Jay

Chism spoke to attendees about the chapter’s

30 year history.

Upcoming Master Gardener

Events in Greene County

6/7/14 - Master Gardener and Springfield Wa-

tergarden Society Garden Tour featuring 11

garden stops will be on the tour; tickets $5 in

advance or $7 at the door. Tickets can be pur-

chased at the Master Gardener Hotline Room,

Garden Adventures in Nixa, Maschino’s,

Wickman Garden’s, and Schaffitzels

6/10/14 - 6:30 p.m. Monthly Chapter Meeting

6/26/14 - Road trip to Linnaeus Garden in Tul-

sa, Oklahoma.

For more information visit the Master Gardener

website at : mggreene.org

From the Xeriscape Garden in Springfield.

http://www.mggreene.org





Young Sprouts in the Garden May 17 was the annual Young Sprouts in

the Garden event at the Springfield-Greene

County Botanical Center. Attendance and par-

ticipation was estimated at around 500 people

with at least half of those being children.

Children participated in a wide variety of na-

ture and garden themed activities. Master Gar-

dener Dellene Nelson, event chair said, “The

creativity that goes into the activities is phe-

nomenal. The children are completely engaged

the whole time learning about plants and na-

ture, wildlife and our environment. It’s fun for

kids and parents and everyone involved in

hosting this event.”

Thanks to those who attended, for the

Master Gardener volunteer team and our area

event partners who made it a successful and

enjoyable day.

All pictures on

this page are

from the Young

Sprouts event.




Annual Plant Sale The Master Gardener plant

sale on April 26 was a success!

Gwen Wilson, chair of the plant

sale, did a great job of coordinating

this project. Many members con-

tributed countless hours digging

and dividing plants in the demon-

stration gardens, in their own per-

sonal gardens, labeling and moving

plants, setting up and tearing down,

and helping customers. It was tru-

ly a group effort and a testament to

the dedication of our members.




Member Spotlight:

Iris Wylie

When did you join Master Gardener’s and why?

I joined in 2007 to learn more about gardening and to try to

contribute in some way to the community.

What kind of gardening background do you have?

I’m from a long line of gardeners and farmers. One grand-

mother was most inspirational. She used to grow long rows

of zinnias and had prize winning chrysanthemums.

What is your favorite thing about Master Gardeners of

Greene County?

It’s so much fun to have so much in common with a large

group of awesome people.

What is one of your favorite growing tips that you would

like to share?

Let what you love grow in your foundation landscape rather

than only what is “supposed” to be planted. Plant favorite

flowers or colorful vegetables and show your personality.

It’s ok!

Anything else you want to share about yourself?

I love family, history, rivers, trees, flowers, and art. If I’m involved in all of these, I’m happy.

What are a couple of your favorite plants?

Iris, hollyhocks, and almost any tree

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 and

branded” 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/

Iris Wylie joined the Master Garden-

ers of Greene County in 2007.

Peony Garden at the Springfield Botanical Gardens

http://www.springfieldmasternaturalist.com/

http://springfieldmn.blogspot.com/



4-H Report for Greene County

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 mak-

ing, communication, social interaction, civic

responsibility and physical skills. Children do

not have to live on a farm to join 4-H. Pro-

ject opportunities include computers, robotics,

foods and nutrition, horticulture, large and

small animals and more. Missouri 4-H is Uni-

versity of Missouri Extension's youth develop-

ment program. Learn more online.

Contact 4-H Youth Development Specialist Karla Deaver at the Lawrence County Extension office

by telephone at 417/466-3102 or by email at [email protected].

The Importance of 4-H and the

Need for Youth Program Assistant

(YPA) in Greene County

MU Extension's 4-H youth development program

touches the lives of about 200 young people in Greene

County, empowering them to reach their full poten-

tial. They are currently participating in 10 rural and

urban clubs in Greene County.

What is 4-H?

Missouri 4-H is University of Missouri Extension's

youth development program (in partnership with

the USDA).

The 4-H program helps to create opportunities for

young people to be valued, contributing members

of their community. 4-H is the world’s largest

youth-serving organization.

Benefits of 4-H

4-H is not just for farm kids. Over 5,000 youth in

urban communities join local 4-H clubs each year

including here in Springfield.

Studies show 4-H’ers have three times greater in-

terest in science than non-4-H peers and are 70

percent more likely to go to college.

4-H in Greene County

Program is entirely volunteer-led now and alt-

hough our volunteers are very committed, mem-

bership has declined without a YPA.

Greene County 4-H has about 200 active youth

members and 98 volunteers who contributed over

9,800 hours to 4-H (time valued at over $184,000).

Clubs in this county can boast of members who

have won state, regional and national 4-H competi-

tions this year. For a list of clubs in Greene County

visit: http://extension.missouri.edu/greene/4h.aspx

Role of a youth program assistant

Assist in the management and support of 4-H

youth programs in Greene County, under the guid-

ance and supervision of the 4-H Youth Develop-

ment Specialist or Educator.

Assist in the planning and coordination

of 4-H educational events, contests, and

programs in the county.

Assist with the 4-H volunteer manage-

ment system, including management of

enrollments, management of resources,

fees and records, and also marketing and

reporting on 4-H in Greene County.

The Request

We currently need a partner(s) to pay

half of the cost for a youth program as-

sistant in Greene County (at a rate of

$8000 annually) to match the Universi-

ty’s yearly $8000 commitment.

The long-term goal is for the Greene

County Commission to pay this partner

amount as county finances improve.

To learn how to help support 4-H program-

ming in Greene County read the resources

available on the Giving Financially page:

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

giving.aspx

http://www.extension.missouri.edu/greene/4h.aspx

http://extension.missouri.edu/greene/4h.aspx

http://extension.missouri.edu/greene/giving.aspx

http://extension.missouri.edu/greene/giving.aspx

Greene County Honorees Horse Bowl and Hippology Teams

Junior Junior first with the following indivduals:

1. Greene-Cedar 1 Rory O'Connor 10 8 18

3 Greene-Cedar 2 Nikki Berger 5 4 9

5 Greene-Cedar 4 Charlize Pyle 2 2 4

6 Greene-Cedar 3 Hope Heryford 3 0 3

Junior Horse Bowl teams were first with these individ-

ual ranks:

2 Greene 1 Cara Driskell 8 6 6 20

3 Greene 3 Mikayla Peterson 8 6 5 19

4 Greene 2 Brooke Wieder 7 6 4 17 4.4

7 Greene 4 Ella O'Connor

Senior Horse Bowl team was second with three mem-

bers finishing in the top 10 as individuals:

3 .Greene 4 Megan Andersen 10 9 8 27

6 Greene 1 Katie Rosenau 9 4 3 16

10 Greene 3 Jessica Stacy 5 4 -1 8

Hipplogy Junior team first: individual ranks

1. Greene A Cara Driskell 271

2 Greene A Mikayla Peterson 262

3 Greene A Brooke Wieder 258






2014 State Horse Bowl

& Hippology Contest On April 26 and 27, Missouri 4-H held the

annual State Horse Bowl and Hippology contest

in the Animal Science Research Center on the

MU Campus.

With over 12,000 questions, the youth

spend a lot of time in preparation for their pre-

qualifying and state event.

The Horse Bowl contest is an academic ex-

perience not unlike academic bowl contests, we

just focus on equine.

Teams in junior, intermediate and senior

levels are identified in the contest through a

round robin game process. Plus individual

awards are presented to the youth with the high-

est individual scores.

There are four phases for the Hippology

Contest according to Knautz. Youth participate

in stations, a test, a video judging, and a prob-

lem. Missouri 4-H will advance the top senior

team in both events to National Horse Bowl and

Hippology in Louisville, KY in November.

4-H Members Test Horse Judging Skills

4-H’ers from all across the state

tested their horse judging skills Sat-

urday, March 15, at the University

of Missouri campus.

Ben Gallup, 4-H youth specialist

with MU Extension, said 10 classes

were available for participants to

judge. Stephens College, the Mis-

souri Junior Paint Horse Club and

Rocky Mountain horse owners as-

sisted with the event.

To qualify, participants must

understand the breed standards and

explain how they place the horses in a class. “The classes were wonderful, the food was out-

standing, the help exceptional,” Gallup said. “The kids were engaged, the judges were spot-on,

the parents and coaches were helpful and the tones were developmental. What a great experi-

ence and opportunity for the kids.”

The top three overall winners in the Junior Horses category were Mikayla Peterson, Greene

County, first; Kristyne Eckhoff, Bates County, second; and Colton Warren, Boone County,

third.

The Greene County team

took top team honors as the

overall winner in 4-H Junior

Horses category. Team mem-

bers are Mikayla Peterson,

Nicole Berger, Cara Driskell,

Ella O’Connor, Rory O’Con-

nor and Brooke Wieder.

In the Senior Horses class

the Greene County team won

third-place honors. Members

include Jessica Cobban,

Mattie Cobban, Serena Peter-

son, Bailey Skinner and Tay-

lor Wieder.








Nutrition and Health Specialist

USDA Agriculture and Food

Research Initiative (AFRI)

This “Voices for Food” six-state

project is the focus of Pam’s posi-

tion. The team met twice in May,

and work in Missouri focused on

community and partnership re-

cruitment.

Ozarks Regional Food Policy Council

Many Greene County

organizations continue to

work on Food System

issues through this coun-

cil. Pam joined the Exec-

utive committee in May.

During May, Pam

worked on teams writing

grant applications; gath-

ering assessment data;

and conducting project

planning to implement

the key recommendations

that were set out from

our Food System Community Assessment. The

goal is to build the Springfield/Greene County

Food System, and help provide sustainable solu-

tions for issues such as food insecurity, food pro-

duction, processing, distribution, consumption, and

waste disposal.

Economic Development through Local Food “Seeds of Prosperity” conference planning; partner

and sponsorship recruitment were the focus in

May. Partners include Ozark Food Harvest; The

YMCA; Regional Food Solutions; Food CORE;

and the Ozark Regional Food Policy Council.

Diabetes Self-Management Workshop

Pam participated in a two-day training in Spring-

field to certify 17 representatives from partnering

organizations to bring this CDC-based course to

SW Missouri.

Chronic Disease Self-Management

This six-week series was held in Springfield dur-

ing the month of May. Participants learned

techniques to deal with fatigue, pain and isola-

tion; and learned appropriate exercise for main-

taining and improving strength, flexibility, and

endurance. Communicating effectively with

health professionals; healthy eating; and how to

evaluate new treatments were also topics learned.

Significant outcomes of the class include:

Improvement of health outcomes

Reduction of health care utilization

Increased physical activity

Decreased symptoms of depression

Improved communication with health care

provider

Improvements in quality of life, fatigue and

sleep problems

Improvements in pain and shortness of

breath

Significant improvement in ER visits and

hospitalization

Duitsman



Nutrition and Health Specialist

Greene County Food Day Greene County Extension is a sponsoring organization

for Food Day 2014, with educational events beginning

August 1 and running throughout the year. The idea

this year will be that “every day is Food Day”, and an

opportunity to make the healthy choice. The objec-

tive for Food Day events are to promote safe, healthi-

er diets; support sustainable farms; and end hunger. A

2014 marketing and implementation plan was put into

place; a website launched; presentations given to

community organizations; and community partners

recruited in May.

MU Extension Program Integration: Pam is a

member of the state-wide Health Systems team,

working to: develop health-related programs that

integrate research from the MU system, and

bring evidence-based education out to communi-

ties through Regional Specialists. The team

worked on furthering state partnerships in May.

Healthy Lifestyle Initiative: Pam works with

communities to develop healthy environments

through policies and programs that support ac-

cess to healthy food and opportunities for physi-

cal activities. In May meetings were held in

Lawrence and Christian counties to develop sus-

tainable community wellness programs.

Meetings, seminars and workshops:

Family Meals in Childcare

Food Safety Programming

Teaching Through Technology

Someone Asked Me About Selling Foods

MU Nutritional Center for Health Research

Update

In May, Pam met with Greene County

Farmer’s markets to schedule nutrition pro-

gramming at the market for the 2014 season

Agriculture

Chain Saw Safety Training for

Another Group of Springfield

Public Works Employees On April 24, 13 employees with the Spring-

field Public Works Department received training

on chain saw safety, tree pruning tips and ethanol

use in gasoline. The training was

taught by Bob Schultheis, natural

resource engineering specialist

based in Marshfield.

The training was requested

by the special facilities adminis-

trator for the Springfield Public

Works Department, with the goal

to keep workers safe both on and

off the job, and thus minimize

worker compensation insurance

claims and lost work days.

The workers learned about where and how

most chain saw injuries occur; reaction times;

choosing and using appropriate safety gear; noise

levels and hearing loss prevention; preparing, start-

ing, and using a chain saw; causes and prevention

of saw kickback; tree felling and limbing proce-

dures; pruning techniques for standing trees; and

ethanol issues with small engines.

Written evaluations showed knowledge levels

increased by 37 percent from the 1.5-hour session,

and 100 percent of participants indicated they

would recommend this training to others. The greatest knowledge level increase (84 percent) was on

the topic of dealing with ethanol in the small engine

fuel. Seven workers also cited specific things they will

do differently as of result of the safety training they

received, including wearing proper personal protective

equipment (PPE) and making different saw cuts.

A link to the presentation and related resources can

be found at http://extension.missouri.edu/webster/pres-

2014-04-24.aspx.

http://extension.missouri.edu/webster/pres-2014-04-24.aspx

http://extension.missouri.edu/webster/pres-2014-04-24.aspx

Becky Roark Holland Elementary, 140 stu-

dents (Pre-K through 2nd)

Holland Book Festival, 85

families

Fair Grove Elementary, 326

students (Pre-K through 2nd

and 4th)

Well of Life Food Pantry, 272 fami-

lies

Central Assembly Food Pantry, 108

families

Republic WIC clinic, 35 clients

Sherri Hull

Victory Mission Family Ministries

Food Pantry – Display & Discussion

about “Whole Grains”; 150 Partici-

pants

Republic WIC Clinic, lessons on

“Healthy Snacks” 32 clients

Completed series of lessons at Jef-

fries Elem. K-2nd grade, 288 students

Completed series of lessons at Ash

Grove Elem., K-3rd, 176 students

Jenni Nevatt I had no programming in Greene county

in May.

Marty Wood Willard WIC, Eating Smart -

Being Active, Adults, 18 fami-

lies; Willard Food Pantry, Dis-

play, Adults, 21 families; Preg-

nancy Care Center, Eating

Smart- Being Active, Adults, 65

adults; Hand Extended Food

Pantry, Display, Adults, 48

families; Life House Crisis Ma-

ternity House, Eating Smart -

Being Active, Adults, 6 Adult



Wood

Family Nutrition Education Program

Edmondson DeFord Williams

Family Nutrition Education Program 2160 W. Chesterfield Blvd. Suite F200

Chesterfield Village, Springfield, Mo.

Tel: 417-886-2059 Call the office to inquire about nutrition education.

Roark

Fossett

Hull Nevatt

Members of the Family Nutrition Education Program did

staff a booth and demonstration (above) as part of the

Young Sprouts event hosted by the Master Gardeners of

Greene County and Springfield-Greene County Parks.

Housing and Environmental Design Specialist

tial thermal stresses that

can affect the glass, par-

ticularly in thermal lami-

nated units. Be sure to

check the window manu-

facturer's warranty before

applying the film.

Assuming a person’s

home is in temperate cli-

mate, the primary concern

for window film would be

keeping heat inside dur-

ing the winter.

Heat loss through

large window areas could be significantly im-

proved with a properly designed application of a

low emissivity film. Conduction performance,

which is determined by the

widows U-value, would not

improve as significantly.

Regarding solar heat

gain during the summer, the

west to northwest orientation

of the windows would allow

some potential for late day

heat gain. Widow film could

help with this but a better

solution might be exterior

vertical shading devices or

strategic planting of trees.

Careful consideration of the

exact angles of solar expo-

sure could provide the best and least expensive

solution. However, window film may offer a sig-

nificant increase to the performance of the win-

dow glass.

Before buying this remedy a ‘whole-house’

energy audit might reveal other areas for greater

saving. The investment in the services of a certi-

fied Home Energy Auditor could help to deter-

mine priorities and an understanding of the

“return-on-investment” for all applicable energy

efficiency strategies.

Jeff Barber Housing and design

[email protected]



Window Film May Improve

Performance of Window

Glass in Home or Business

The direction of a home and its windows is a

significant issue in solar performance and contrib-

utes to both heat gain and heat loss.

Typically, buildings that have considered sea-

sonal solar exposure tend to place windows to al-

low direct sunlight in during colder months and

shade openings from sun during warmer months.

The composition, configuration and overall

performance of the glass in these widow systems

can also play a significant role throughout the day

and night.

In some cases, adding a

window film to windows can

add thermal value in the win-

ter and provide significant

protection from solar heat in

the summer.

Window energy perfor-

mance is determined by the

window's thermal resistance

(U-value), the Solar Heat

Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of

the glass, the Glass Visible

Transmittance (VT) and the

window system’s resistance to

air infiltration.

Tints and films can dramatically affect perfor-

mance when careful consideration is given to the

film used and its function in a window assembly.

When selecting the appropriate window film

for a window, look for the Visible Transmittance

(VT) value of the film when applied to a single

pane of clear glass and the Solar Heat Gain Coeffi-

cient (SHGC) for that application. If the VT value

is greater than the SHGC value, then this is an ap-

propriate film for a hot climate window.

The Light-to-Solar-Gain (LSG) ratio is the VT

value divided by the SHGC value. The higher this

ratio, the more spectrally selective the film and the

better it is for hot climates.

Many manufacturers may void the warranty for

their windows if film is applied because of poten-



Civic Communication Specialist and County Program Director

Historic Rural

Schools Expanding

Statewide, Become

a Member

Membership in the

Missouri Historic

Schools Alliance is now

open to local history

enthusiasts and owners

of one-room schools in

the state of Missouri. A membership fee of

$40 covers the cost of a quarterly newsletter

as well as other educational resources, pro-

grams, networking and email blasts. Mem-

bership fees also make planning for future

programs and resources possible.

Interest in protecting and recognizing and

restoring one-room schools in Missouri is

growing and gaining national attention. The

goal is to work with groups and owners to

maintain these historic buildings and develop

them as rural community centers.

There is already some progress toward

achieving that goal along with growing inter-

est in the state about one-room schools. A

statewide advisory board is also in place now

for this MU Extension program.

Membership information is available on

the Greene County Extension website at

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

Statewide Directory It appears we will have the first edition of

a directory of one-room schools in Missouri

available and published in 2014.

Information is available at http://

extension.missouri.edu/greene about how to

get a school listed in the directory. Individu-

als who want to receive notification when the

directory is available can sign up online.

KEY PROGRAMS OR EVENTS

Internal reporting known as webapps.

Two KOLR TV Spots and one KWTO radio

spot on morning line this month.

I submit three special newspaper columns each

week. These are provided free-of-charge as

part of our mission in public education.

BY THE NUMBERS (for the month)

News Service Subscribers: 9,772 weekly

Requests for advisement: 52

Regular weekly news columns: 16

TV/Radio Interviews – 3

Total articles written this month – 44

COUNTY PROGRAM DIRECTOR DUTIES

Financial oversight, travel authorizations.

County Commission mtgs.

Friends of Greene County Extension.

Edited monthly “Reaching Out Report”

Regular updates to county extension website

Coordinating meetings of council committees

Working on funding options to place a part-

time Youth Program Assistant in Greene

County to support local 4-H programs.

Working on funding options to expand the po-

sition of Horticulture Educator to full-time.

Coordinated the following extension council

committee meetings this month: agriculture,

personnel, action, 4-H action, historic schools

and audit committee.

Office received a clear review by the council

audit committee.

Added 4-H Leader’s Council meeting this

month also.

SOCIAL MEDIA REACH (April 2014) Individ-

uals reached during this month via the regional

extension social media tools: 144,009.

ONGOING PROJECTS National conference for historic schools group

in St. Joe and expansion of Missouri group.

Marketing of Extension programs to local busi-

nesses for local specialists.

Ongoing fundraising efforts and mailings, in-

cluded contact with 2013 donors that have not

yet given in 2014.

David Burton Civic communication

[email protected]






Civic Communication Specialist and County Program Director

more creative, or simply try out writing. This

includes journal writing, poetry, fiction or non-

fiction.

"For example, one of the gardens down by

the Butterfly House we have some sort a butter-

fly-themed writing prompts. And a person can

pick any of these writing prompts and write

something and we'll share as a group. I know

one of them was 'my life as a butterfly.' And so

you've got about ten minutes to write something

about life as a butterfly," says Burton.

Writing retreats are often therapeutic, Burton

says, and a great way for improving motivation,

productivity, and good physical and emotional

well-being.

Dr. Jeffrey Cornelius-White,

professor and Counseling Pro-

gram coordinator with Mis-

souri State University, agrees

that writing is an effective

therapeutic tool. He says over

200 studies link mental and

physical health benefits with

various types of writing.

"The motivation is important,

like make a conscious deci-

sions that you want to accomplish something and

stick with it. Then make a modest and achieva-

ble goal. If you're goal is you want to resolve

something that has been bothering you, or your

goal is to be happier or you want to be more

grateful, then pick that goal and make a con-

scious decision about what you're going to do

about it," Cornelius-White says.

Make a plan to write more intensively for 10

or 15 minutes a day, says Cornelius-

White. Shorter time periods ranging from three

to seven days seem to be more effective than

writing for extended periods of time, he ex-

plains.

"I would also suggest that you focus on

depth more than breadth, so to share your deepest

thoughts and feelings about it. To think about

'why', or to connect it to people, to savor the sur-

prises that happen in life. Just things like that

which are poignant and grab them and describe

them," says Cornelius-White.

Garden Writing Retreat at

Botanical Center Inspires

Creativity, Tranquility Radio broadcast/article by Theresa Bettmann

KSMU - 3:32pm | April 25, 2014

Nature is often thought to inspire creativi-

ty. As spring begins to bloom around the Ozarks,

one organization is working to combine the beauty

of area botanical gardens with the creativity of lo-

cal writers. KSMU's Theresa Bettmann has more

on an upcoming writing retreat that invites people

of all skill levels.

Whether it's the butterfly

house, Japanese garden, or Lake

Drummond, leaders of next

week's retreat hope the scene

here at Nathanael Greene Close

Memorial Park in Springfield

will help inspire creativity in

their writing. Participants will be

given writing prompts after visit-

ing at least three different areas

of the park.

The garden-inspired writing retreat was creat-

ed by David Burton with the University of Mis-

souri Extension. The program, conducted in part-

nership with the Springfield-Greene County Botan-

ical Center, began last fall. Burton says last year’s

response was enjoyable, and hopes to build upon

its success. Burton is a published creative writer

himself, and says this retreat is a way to enjoy na-

ture and get those "creative juices flowing."

"What we've tried to do here is blend some

writing training along with the gardens. We'll be

doing different writing exercises in three of the

gardens out here. And we'll be there in [each] the

garden[s] for around an hour. So you'll have time

to enjoy the tranquility, sights and sounds of that

garden while you're working on the writing exer-

cise as a group," Burton says.

You do not have to be an experienced writer,

says Burton, to enjoy the retreat. He says it is not a

lecture setting that focuses on intensive writing

mechanics. Burton explains it is for anyone who

wants to have fun, leisurely enjoy the gardens, be

Burton will offer this

class during 2014 & 2015

only on a contract basis

for groups. Contact him

for details regarding

dates and cost.

A minimum of 10

participants is required.

Grants from Community Foundation

systems and supporting organizations to ex-

plore networking solutions and the possible

establishment of a regional food hub or net-

work.

$1,100 to Jeff Barber

The collaboration of MU Extension and the

Drury Center for Community Studies will

investigate emerging precedents and means

to "Promote diversity of housing types

in development and re-development pat-

terns". Through several public participatory

sessions during the Fall 2014 semester, stu-

dents and citizens will assist the Housing

Collaborative of the Community Partnership

of the Ozarks to develop ideas for realizing

this 2nd major goal of Field Guide 2030's

Housing Committee.



Greene County

Extension

Receives Two

Grants from

CFO The Community Foun-

dation of the Ozarks host-

ed an awards lunch April

30 at University Plaza Ho-

tel to honor the agencies

that received grants during

the 2013-14 Metropolitan

Springfield Community

Grantmaking cycle.

In all, more than

$428,000 was granted dur-

ing 2013-14 to Springfield

and Greene County non-

profits. This includes

$115,000 raised by agencies for the Communi-

ty Response Challenge Grants, which were

matched by CFO dollar for dollar.

A total of $50,000 was awarded in the

“Community Innovations Grant Program” cat-

egory including two to Greene County Exten-

sion specialists.

$5,000 to Dr. Pam Duitsman

The grant is based on collaborative work

that has been going on with Ozark Regional

Food Policy Council (ORFPC). Several or-

ganizations are collaborating on this effort

(MU Extension is lead; ORFPC; Regional

Food Solutions LLC; Food CORE; Ozarks

Food Harvest; Healthy Living Alliance; SUAC

-- Springfield Urban Agriculture Coalition).

Specifically, this grant request is to fund a

series of workshops focused on: 1) education

for producers on sustainable practices, and to

comply with needed standards; and 2) two

joint workshops with producers, large markets/

David Burton, county program director for Greene County Extension, and

George Deatz, chairman of the Greene County Extension Council repre-

sented Extension at this event. Shown here are representatives of the organ-

izations that received the Innovation grants.



Presiding Commissioner Debate Hosted By Extension

Over 100 Residents Attend

Debate Between Candidates

Vying to be Next County

Presiding Commissioner

The Greene County Extension Council

hosted a debate between candidates vying to

be the next Presiding Commissioner in Greene

County on April 29 at the Executive Confer-

ence Center 910 W Battlefield Rd, Springfield.

Over 100 Greene County residents attend-

ed along with area media outlets and four out

of the five candidates: Bob Cirtin

(Republican), Steve Helms (Republican), Jerry

Fenstermaker (Republican) and Benjamin

Brixey (Libertarian).

22 TOTAL QUESTIONS

The debate was moderated by Matt Simp-

son, a member of the Greene County Exten-

sion Council. He developed 10 basic questions

and touched on many of the hot-button issues.

The topic of taxes was weaved in to many

of the questions during the evening and when

it didn’t, candidates weaved the subject in

themselves.

The burden that is placed on

county finances by the jail pop-

ulation was also a subject of

conversation. Candidates had a

variety of ideas on how to fix

this problem. Brixey recom-

mended the county stop "the

war on drugs." Cirtin said he

supported pending legislation to

raise state funding levels for

reimbursements to county gov-

ernments for housing criminals

on state charges. Fenstermaker

emphasized his desire to get

county's finances corrected to

allow for the future expansion

of jail facilities.

Helms suggested

switching to a

minimum securi-

ty prison and

moving cases

through the sys-

tem faster.

On the topic

of county fund-

ing for Greene

County Exten-

sion, three of the

four candidates

in attendance ex-

pressed support

for the local Ex-

tension office but only one held out much

hope for additional help from the county.

Each candidate’s complete answer to this

question can be found online at: https://

www.youtube.com/user/MUExtension417.

Members of the audience also submitted

questions on notecards and 12 of those sub-

mitted questions were asked of candidates

later in the evening.

https://www.youtube.com/user/MUExtension417

https://www.youtube.com/user/MUExtension417



Presiding Commissioner Debate Hosted By Extension

WHY EXTENSION HOSTED

“Since County Commissioners

vote on the primary source of our of-

fice funding as a county program, and

since we are now funded at levels

equal to our 1953 funding, the reason

for the extension council’s interest in

this election is pretty obvious,” said

David Burton, county program direc-

tor for Greene County Extension.

Every county in Missouri has a

publicly elected extension council.

County extension councils (mandated

by state statutes) are the governing

body for local opportunities provided

by University of Missouri Extension.

Council members work with exten-

sion faculty in making decisions con-

cerning programs, personnel, council

elections and the local extension

budget.

Since 1914, Greene County resi-

dents have sought unbiased educa-

tional help from Extension in areas

related to agriculture, gardening, 4-H

youth, nutrition, families, human de-

velopment, business and community

development. Specialists with MU

Extension offer educational programs

that make lifelong learning fun and

help people help themselves.

More information is available at


or by calling the MU Extension office

in Greene County at (417) 881-8909.


Total Cash Contributed:

$22,509

2014 Contributors to “Friends of Greene County Extension”

Corporate Level Master Gardeners of

Greene County

Sanford & Associates

Patron Level William & Virginia Darr

George Deatz

Friends of the Garden

Ann Hall

Joe Jenkins

Sponsor Level Greater Ozarks Hosta

Society

Greene Co. Soil & Water

Conservation District

James Mauldin

RDW Family &

Community Fund

Jim & Nancy Tucker

Contributor Level Carl Allison

David & Stacey Burton

Ramona Burton

Marla Calico

Dr. Greenthumb/Greg

Peterson Family

Rusty Hathcock

Gaylen & Dedra Jones

Jack Kaiser

Old Missouri Bank

Ryan Lawn & Tree

Jody & Barbara Norman

Randall & Linda Sheridan

Springfield Watergarden

Society

Gene Wallace

Friends Level John & Lisa Bakerink

Glenn & Beverly Blake

Shelby Bradley

Alice Counts

Donation period runs from October 1 to Sept. 30

Bob Cirtin

Billie Sue Fuller

Mary Gallagher

James Garton

Paul & Della Goodwin

David & Linda Hall

Avis Holloway

Richard & Yvonne Jarvis

Jeff Jones

Mary Sue Joplin

MFA Agri Services

Pauline Marsh

Steve & Marlu McElhany

Dellene Nelson

Mike Sidebottom

Steve & Pam Squibb

Kathryn Steinhoff

Ronald & Sue Carroll

Terry

Lee & Julie Viorel

Chris & Colette Wilbers

Associate Level Jodie Adams

Cindy Arrowood

Mr./Mrs. David Bailey

Robert & Jana Belk

Mardell Bontrager

Keith & Malia Bucher

Carr Stock Farms, LLC

Kim Chaffin

Steven Counts

Kathleen Goff

Douglas Green

Fred & Elaine Hamburg

Harrison Farm

Dulcinea Fisher-Smith

Rob & Brenda

Funkhouser

William Hosman

Rita Johnson

Bob & Barbara Kipfer

Dorothy Miller

Frieda Morris

Edie Nelson

Albert Niewald

Gladys O’Dell

Minuen Odom

Cathy & Alex Primm

Crystal Quade

H. James Roper

Second Wind Companies

Stewart Farm

Elizabeth & Paul Taylor

Randy Underwood

Leslie Wilde

Join Friends of

Greene County Extension Since 1914, Greene County residents

have sought help in agriculture, garden-

ing, 4-H youth, nutrition, families, busi-

ness and community development from

Extension. Members of “Friends of

Greene County Extension” contribute

financially to make it possible for Exten-

sion to continue having a positive impact

on the quality of life in Greene County.

To learn how you can help by contrib-

uting go to extension.missouri.edu/

greene or call (417) 881-8909.




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.

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

Each “Reaching Out Report” is used by Greene

County Extension specialists to concisely communi-

cate 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 Bur-

ton, at (417) 881-8909.

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.

Corporate Sponsors Sanford and Associates, CPA, Springfield,

Mo.: (417) 886-2220,

www.adifferentcpa.com

Master Gardeners of Greene County:


Meyer Communications, KWTO 560 AM /

KTXR 101.3 FM: (417) 862-3751

www.radiospringfield.com/

American Business Systems, Springfield,

Mo.: (417) 866-5083, www.ambussys.com

Sunshine Valley Farm, 8125 E State High-

way 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 can help customers

with material needs, soil

tests or program registra-

tions. Contact her at the

Greene County Extension

Center, (417) 881-8909.

Lorri Winters joined Exten-

sion in 2005. Lorri Winters Office Manager

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 con-

firm location of meeting.

4-H Leader’s Council Meetings: 3rd Thurs-

day 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 Bat-

tlefield (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.

https://www.adifferentcpa.com/

http://www.mggreene.org/

http://www.radiospringfield.com/

http://www.ambussys.com

http://www.sunshinevalleyfarm.com/

http://www.parkboard.org

may 2014

Documents

extension specialists

upcoming extension events

upcoming events page

master gardeners pages

friends list page

council committees page

jeff barber page

sponsors partners page