Category Archives: K-State Extension

Aging with Attitude Regional Expo Set for April 26th

 

It’s taking place every day, for everyone….aging that is, and it is an opportunity!  Let’s come together to learn and ensure we can all thrive as we age, on Friday, April 26th, for the Aging with Attitude Regional Expo.

 

The expo aims to promote positive attitudes about aging and educate on issues that support physical, mental, and financial health.  K-State Research and Extension along with community partners invite you to connect with others for information and resources on April 26th. The event includes presentations, activities, prizes, a resource fair, and lunch from 9:00a.m.-1:00p.m. at Foursquare Church, 98 Main Street, Parsons, KS.  Registration fee is $15 per attendee.  Register with flyer registration form or by calling 620-244-3826.

 

Keynote Presentations include:

Container Gardening

Hear from horticulture expert on creating your own garden.

 

Medicare Q&A

Senior Health Insurance Counselor and Coordinator will answer top Medicare questions and hear your specific needs.

 

Make the most of your life by attending this year’s regional expo!  For more information you may contact [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

 

# # #

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director of K-State Research and Extension, Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts.

 

Teaching Kids About Money Management

Amanda Clasen- Community Vitality Agent    

March 2024

 

The Southwind Extension District just finished hosting our first Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge in Allen County with the partnership with Humboldt High School, Allen County E-Communities and NetWork Kansas. A part of this event is students learning the importance of developing a business plan, learning how to make a profit off of their business and product as well as marketing their product to be successful. After completing this event, the participants were awarded cash prizes for their work and efforts and it got me thinking, I wonder how many of these youth will continue the entrepreneurship path in life and what money management skills have they developed through this project?

Money Management must be learned and practiced in everyday home and family life to prepare children for real life situations. Think of how day-to-day activities and errands that you are already completing in your already busy life, to incorporate “lessons” on money management skills for youth.  Making or earning money for a job is the way most adults get money to spend, but think about what youth need to know to be successful in their money management. The following are examples of ways to incorporate learning into daily life lessons.

Things a 5 year old should know:

  1. A dime is worth more than a nickel even though it is smaller. Also that coins can be exchanged for “fun” things.
  2. Toys that are seen on the cereal box or on TV won’t always be flashy and look or work as well at home as they are advertised.
  3. Saving money can be fun when they know they can use it to buy something later.
  4. Asking for something they want, doesn’t mean they will always get what they want.

Things a 10 year old should know is obviously different from a younger and older Siblings. Below are examples of those teaching lessons.

  1. They should be able to navigate a grocery store with a cart and list to help shop for a budget friendly grocery trip.
  2. They should have a savings account in a real bank. They should learn that although you can withdrawal from that account, it won’t be the same cash and coins that they put in.

A 16 year old is often the age looking to be hired by local business and able to work outside of the family and friends circle to gain a paycheck. A few things they should know when coming to earning money:

  1. They should have a reasonable idea of the family finances.
  2. They should know how to write a check and balance a checking account.
  3. They should save half of everything they hear from a job for any major high school expenses such as a class ring or trip.

Adults may work 40 hours or sometimes more each week to bring home a paycheck to live on. Youth should be able to  find small jobs from their parents or neighbors to earn money for those burning “needs” and “wants”. Those jobs can take as little as 10 minutes for as much as hours to complete. Paid jobs at home are usually things beyond those a child is expected to do as part of the family. Make sure to be on the look out for a job that neighbors, grandparents, friends are willing to pay for. Think of other ways your child can earn money from their hobbies, for example, sell jewelry, show adults how to use a computer application or setting up a new cellphone.

For more information please contact Amanda Clasen, Community Vitality Agent, at [email protected] or at any Southwind Extension office.

Cooking for One or Two

Clara Misenhelter (Wicoff) Submitted photo 2023

By Clara Misenhelter

Southwind Extension District

 

Cooking for one or two people can sometimes feel like a burden. While it can be tempting to skip meals, opt for convenience foods, or go out to eat instead of cooking for one or two people, preparing meals at home can be good for your health and for your wallet.

 

Here are some tips to consider when cooking for two or just for you:

  • Start with MyPlate to create balanced meals. Before you plan a meal, imagine what your plate will look like. The MyPlate recommendations encourage us to make half of our plate fruits and vegetables, focus on whole fruits, vary our veggies, make half of our grains whole grains, vary our protein routine, and move to low-fat or fat-free dairy options. To learn more, visit MyPlate.gov.
  • Create “planned-overs” to repurpose leftovers. One of the burdens to cooking for one or two people is the amount of time required to prepare, cook, and clean up from meals. To reduce this burden, think about how you can plan meals that will use the same ingredients so that you can cook once and eat twice. (Make sure you use the item within the next 3-4 days.) For example, if you are cooking ground beef to make chili, consider cooking additional meat that can be used on baked potatoes for another meal.
  • Use leftovers safely. The USDA reports that leftovers can be safely kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. If you have leftovers, they should be placed in the refrigerator or freezer within two hours (or within one hour if the temperature is over 90 degrees Fahrenheit). When reheating leftovers, they should be reheated to 165 degrees Fahrenheit as measured by a food thermometer.
  • Become friends with your freezer. Tape a piece of paper to the outside of your freezer to keep an inventory of what you stored in the freezer. List the item and the date to remind yourself to consume it within 3-4 months. It can also be helpful to freeze leftovers in smaller portion sizes.

 

For more information, please contact me at [email protected] or 620-365-2242. To learn even more about this topic, consider attending the “Cooking for One or Two” program I will be hosting at the Chanute Library on March 13th at 5:30 PM. This program is free, but an RSVP is required by calling 620-365-2242.

 

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

 

Walk Kansas registration is open

Walk Kansas registration is open

March 4, 2024

The weather is warming up, which is a sign that it is almost time for Walk Kansas! Walk Kansas is an eight-week healthy lifestyle challenge that will inspire you to lead a healthier life by being more active and making better nutrition choices. You are part of a six-member team which selects a goal and supports one another in reaching it. If you don’t have a team, you can be assigned to one or you can fly solo! The cost to participate is $10 per adult. Registration is open now at WalkKansas.org, and the program will take place from March 31st through May 25th. The benefits of participating in Walk Kansas include:

  • Weekly newsletters filled with motivational healthy lifestyle information, resources, and recipes;
  • Access to the online tracking system, as well as the Walk Kansas app, to help keep you on track as you work to reach your goals;
  • Support in working towards leading a healthier life, including support gained from your teammates and exclusive membership in a closed Walk Kansas Facebook group;
  • And more!

For more information, contact Clara Misenhelter with the Southwind Extension District at (620) 365-2242 or [email protected].

 

# # #

 

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

K – State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Fruit Tree Dormant Oil Application

February brought us above normal temperatures. I’ve heard the frogs signing on several days, which is always a welcome sound to my ears because I know spring is near! When the nice, warm days grace us in March, make time to apply a dormant oil on your fruit trees.

There are a number of dormant sprays used on fruit trees and other plants to control various diseases and insects. However, a dormant oil spray is designed to control scale insects, aphids and mites. Just like the name implies, dormant oils are applied before the tree begins to bud. Dormant oil sprays are important because some pests attack before visible growth even begins. If you have a problem with scale, now is the time to start watching the weather and look for an opportunity to spray.

Scale insects can be seen easily this time of year since there a no leaves. Scale insects are easily overlooked because they are small and immobile most of their lives, and they do not resemble most other insects. Many of them resemble small shells that are oval or circular. Coloring varies but can include white, tan and brown. Plants that should be inspected for scales include apple, pear, other fruit trees, lilac, crabapple, oak, ash, elm, maple, arborvitae, juniper, pine, spruce, euonymus and yew.

Plants are not harmed if only a few scales are present, but scale population can increase dramatically during the growing season. Heavy scale infestations can damage fruit crops, destroy branches and kill entire plants.

Normally sprays should be applied around March 1, especially with peaches and nectarines. Apples are tougher and application may be delayed up to the green tip stage. Temperatures need to be at least 40 degrees so spray has a chance to dry before freezing. If the spray does freeze before it dries, plant injury can occur. Applying the spray during the morning will help insure that it dries properly. It is much easier to achieve good spray coverage if the tree is pruned before spraying.

The Extension office has several publications outlining the fruit spray schedule for the entire growing season.

Now is an excellent time to prune. Pruning can be done in March. Prune on days when the temperature is above 20 degrees to prevent injury. Prune older trees first because older, larger wood tolerates lower temperatures than young trees with small diameter wood.

 

If your trees are overgrown, out of control and you just don’t know where to begin, stop by the Extension office and pick up a pruning publication. This publication offers step-by-step instructions on pruning overgrown trees and it also has nice diagrams.

 

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Horticulture agent assigned to Southwind District.  She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

 

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

 

Herbs – From Plant to Plate

Herbs – From Plant to Plate

Whether for culinary or medicinal purposes, herbs are versatile plants. Learn how to grow herbs and how to utilize them with different foods in this free workshop hosted by the Southwind Extension District! Workshop topics will include how to grow herbs, the easiest herbs to grow, how to store herbs properly, and the health benefits of cooking with herbs. There will also be samples to try! If you have questions about this workshop, call 620-244-3826. This workshop will be offered in two locations.

K-State Research and Extension is committed to making its services, activities and programs accessible to all participants. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting Krista Harding at 620-365-2242 or [email protected]. Notify staff of accommodation needs as early as possible.
Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Speakers
Krista Harding is the horticulture agent for
the Southwind Extension District. With her
green thumb expertise, she will show you
how to grow herbs both indoors and in the
garden.

Clara Misenhelter is a Nutrition, Food, and
Health agent for the Southwind Extension
District. Clara will share her knowledge
utilizing the natural seasoning of herbs to
make meals healthier.

Monday, March 25th
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Uniontown City Hall
206 Sherman Street

Questions? Call 620-244-3826

 

Kansas Made Workshops for Youth

Jennifer Terrell, K-State Extension Agent

 

A series of workshops will be held for youth over the week of spring break by the Southwind Extension District at no-charge! These workshops will be for all youth who are 7-18 years of age.

 

Families can expect youth to participate in hands-on learning about many products that come from the great State of Kansas. Each product will be explored through a variety of formats like photography, entomology, food & nutrition, health & wellness and visual arts to name a few. Not to mention some great guest speakers.

 

Workshops will be held from 1pm to 5pm at a variety of locations. Dates and locations are:

  • March 11 – Yates Center – Community Building
  • March 12 – Fort Scott – Buck Run Community Center Gym
  • March 14 – Erie – Neosho Valley Event Center
  • March 15 – Iola – Southwind Extension Office

 

Registration is required and can be completed online at: https://forms.gle/mR87DUAJeRtTXNqz9 or by calling your local Southwind District Extension Office. Visit our website at southwind.ksu.edu for a list of phone numbers.

 

For more information about the workshops or how to become involved in the Southwind District 4-H Program, please reach out to Jennifer Terrell at [email protected] or 620-223-3720.

 

 

Starlite Family and Consumer Education Club Minutes February 2024

 

 

 

President Glenda Miller opened the meeting with a presentation on the meaning of the Pledge of Allegiances.  Vice President Joyce Allen led the club in reciting the Pledge and the Club Collect.  Twelve members were in attendance and reported that they had volunteered twenty-two hours and had recycled six hundred and eighty-five pounds of paper and cardboard.

 

Glenda recognized the January and February birthdays with a bag of puff corn treats.  Glenda also read a piece “You know you are from Kansas if” in celebration of Kansas Day and presented a quiz on President Washington and Lincoln in honor of Presidents Day.  Joyce Allen took first place with a perfect score.

 

Doris Ericson presented the Treasurer’s report.  She announced that she turning in our Best Choice labels and reminded us to continue saving them.  A Thank you card from the Veteran’s Hospital in Topeka was presented to the club.

 

Old Business consisted of a report that the Valentine cards had been delivered to the Nursing homes and to Tri-Valley.  Terri Williams announced that she had contacted the American Legion to see if we could reproduce the coloring book on the Bill of Rights which is no long in print.  We would have to fill out a form and get their permission first.  They suggested we go to their website and see the available products.  The club also discussed their plan to gather and send shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child.

 

The Club members are to bring a dozen plastic Easter Eggs and a bag of candy to the next meeting.  The eggs will be presented to the Tri-Valley clients.  Other new business was the Bourbon County Fair.  Letha Johnson moved that we donate $50 to open class, Taylor Bailey seconded the motion, motion carried.  The Club also moved to participate in the Hay Bale and Scarecrow contest.

 

Doris Ericson moved that the meeting be adjourned, Joyce Allen second the motion, motion carried, meeting adjourned.

 

After the meeting Taylor Bailey presented the lesson on “Senior Living,” which educated us on options available and when and where to seek assistance.

 

Refreshments of Cherry Cheesecake, chocolate kisses, nut and drinks were provided by Letha Johnson and Taylor Bailey and enjoyed by all.  Glenda also had a Valentine’s game for the club after the meeting.

 

Prepared by

Terri Williams

 

Turn Babysitting in to a Business

Cassidy Lutz
K-State Research and Extension 
Family and Consumer Science Agent 
Southwind District 
211 W. Butler 
Yates Center, KS 66783
620-625-8620

K-State Research and Extension Southwind District – Family and Consumer Science Agent

Turn Babysitting in to a Business

School breaks are the perfect times for pre-teens and teenagers to earn some extra money by getting a job and with schools out for spring break and summer vacation, there will be an influx of parents seeking childcare. These two factors provide youth with a wonderful job opportunity – babysitting!

Youth work experiences provide many benefits. Personal growth that results from early work experiences help youth build their soft skills, which are character traits and interpersonal skills needed for all jobs throughout life. It also helps build their resume and leads to higher-paying future jobs.

Babysitting can be a fun way for young adults to earn money fast! Here are some other benefits:

  • Enhancing communication skills – By working for parents, sitters learn communication skills that will carry over to all other lines of work in the future. Caregivers must build strong relationships with families to show they are reliable and can be trusted to take care of young children. Working with young children also requires leadership, conflict management, and problem-solving skills that many places of employment look for in candidates.
  • Gaining valuable work experience – Experience in childcare can be beneficial for both the sitter’s personal and professional life. If they are considering pursuing a career involving young children, this provides them with first-hand experience of what that might look like on a day-to-day basis. It is also great for personal development as it prepares them for future parenting and caregiving roles. If they have a younger sibling at home that they watch on occasion, it also makes them more aware of how to care for and interact with them to create positive experiences.
  • Earning potential and flexibility – Babysitting jobs offer a source of income that is wonderful for students who want a job but might not be able to take on a 40-hour work week. Sitters have the control to make their work schedule and take on as many or as few jobs as they wish to, depending on their capabilities, prior obligations, and drive to work.
  • Building a sense of responsibility and empathy – Taking care of someone else’s child requires both of these skills. Sitters must prioritize the safety and well-being of the child(ren) in their care while also considering the child(ren)’s wants and needs. This balancing act helps build character and develops essential life skills for the provider.

To empower young entrepreneurs with the essential skills needed to become a babysitter, the Southwind Extension District is hosting clinics for youth ages 12-18. Topics of focus will include leadership skills, job readiness, child safety, and cooking skills and nutrition. There will also be hands-on CPR and First Aid training. For more information on dates, location, and times, visit our website at https://www.southwind.k-state.edu/ or contact Cassidy Lutz at [email protected] or call 620-625-8620.

 

Children and Traumatic Events

Jennifer Terrell, K-State Extension Agent

Natural disasters, family changes such as divorce, death, serious injury, or community violence can be traumatic for both children and adults. Everyone needs time to process the traumatic events. Children often experience disasters differently than adults and they need to have developmentally appropriate explanations of them.

 

Children can experience the effects of disasters months and years after the events. Some will express the effects outwardly through behaviors. Others will focus internally on their own thoughts and emotions. Keep in mind that neither response is preferable to the other, and both can have negative effects on a child’s development.

 

Parents and other trusted adults need to be prepared to address questions and responses to the disaster. It is okay to struggle to figure out what to say when a disaster occurs. Finding the appropriate words when children are not coping well is also challenging. Here are some things you can do to help a child’s sense of well-being from Dr. Wiles and Dr. Kiss of K-State Research and Extension:

  • Reassure the child that you are still together, and that you will be there to help for as long as you can.
  • Return to pre-disaster routines to the extent possible. This helps children feel more secure and safe.
  • Make sure you are taking care of yourself. It can be difficult to care for your own child when you are not coping well.
  • Talk with your child about your feelings about the disaster. When appropriate let them know about plans for recovery.
  • Let children know that experiencing intense and unpredictable responses to disastrous events is natural and normal. Although the behaviors are difficult to manage, it is important to keep patient and mindful. Validating their sometimes hard to understand feelings of anger and sadness provides children with meaningful support.
  • When your role allows, hold and comfort the child. There is no substitute for the warmth, protection, and feeling of safety experienced in the arms of loved ones.
  • Create an emergency plan, and let your children know that you have a plan in case the situation ever happens again. Letting children help plan for emergencies can reduce anxiety they feel about the uncertainty of a future disaster.
  • When possible, help others who are coping with disasters. Volunteer, provide childcare to volunteers, send food, encouraging letters, and toys or other items to help other families recovering from a disaster.
  • Encourage children to draw, write, or tell stories about their experiences.

 

Children and adults experience and adjust to disasters in a variety of ways. It is up to everyone in a community to recognize negative effects, help children cope with disasters, and take care of children and themselves in the aftermath of traumatic events. While the passage of time can help, there is no substitute for patient, caring, honest, and supportive adults helping children who are recovering from traumatic events in their lives.

 

For more information on Youth Development or 4-H, contact Jennifer K. Terrell, District 4-H Youth Development Agent – Southwind Extension District at 620-223-3720 or [email protected].

Habit Stacking for Heart Month

Clara Misenhelter (Wicoff) Submitted photo 2023

 

 

By Clara Misenhelter

Southwind Extension District

 

Did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death in our country? February is American Heart Month, which makes it a great time to focus on your heart health. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following healthy habits for preventing heart disease:

  • Pick healthy foods and drinks.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Be physically activity regularly.
  • Do not smoke.

 

You can learn more about the CDC’s recommendations at cdc.gov/heartdisease/prevention.htm.

 

It may sound easy enough to implement these healthy habits, but adopting new habits can be easier said than done. “One of the best ways to build a new habit is to identify a current habit you already do each day and then stack your new behavior on top. This is called habit stacking,” according to James Clear, author of Atomic Habits. For example, if you want to make regular physical activity a habit that lasts long beyond Heart Month, you might consider trying habit stacking. One habit you probably already do every day is take your shoes off after work. On his website (jamesclear.com/habit-stacking), Clear suggests that you can try stacking that current habit with a new behavior of immediately changing into clothes and shoes to exercise.

 

The American Heart Association also has helpful habit stacking recommendations. For example, they recommend stacking the daily habit of brushing your teeth with a little bit of movement (like doing five squats). They also suggest stacking the habit of going to the grocery store with parking further away so that you can get more steps in. You can learn more about their suggestions at heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/habits/fit-bits.

 

I encourage you to join me in picking a new habit to try stacking this Heart Month! For more information, please contact me at [email protected] or 620-365-2242. To receive the “Wellness For You and Community, Too!” e-newsletter published monthly by the Southwind District, visit bit.ly/southwindnews.

 

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

 

Tips for Starting Seeds

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Horticulture agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

If you have ever tried to start plants from seed, you know it can be tricky. But is very rewarding when you have success! Here are eight steps to help ensure you have nice healthy transplants when planting time arrives.

  1. Purchasing Seed – obtain your seeds from a reputable source including garden centers and seed catalogs. If choosing seed from a business that does not specialize in plants, pay special attention to the package date to make sure the seed was packaged for the current year. Though most seed remains viable for about 3 years, germination decreases as seed ages.
  2. Determine the Date to Seed – there are two pieces of information that needs to be known in order to determine the date to seed transplants: the target date for transplanting outside and the number of weeks needed to grow the transplant. Then do some counting.
  3. Sowing Seed – do not use garden soil to germinate seed as it is too heavy and may contain disease organisms. Use a media made especially for seed germination.
  4. Keep Seed Moist – seed must be kept moist in order to germinate. Water often enough that the media never dries. Using a clear plastic wrap over the top of the container can reduce the amount of watering needed. Remove the wrap after the seedlings emerge.
  5. Light – most plants will germinate in either darkness or light. All plants require adequate amounts of light once emergence occurs. South facing windows will not provide adequate amounts so fluorescent or LED fixtures should be used. Regardless of the type of light used, leave the light on for 16 hours each day.
  6. Temperature – the temperature needed for best germination is often higher than what we may find in our homes. A heat mat is best for consistent germination. Once plants have germinated, they can grow in cooler temperatures (65 to 70 degrees during the day and 55 to 60 degrees at night).
  7. Plant Movement – plants react to movement. Brushing over the plants with your hand stimulates them to become stockier and less leggy. Try brushing 20 strokes per day. But keep in mind that brushing will not compensate for lack of light or over-crowding. Plants grown under inadequate light will always be spindly.
  8. Hardening Plants – plants grown inside will often undergo transplant shock if not hardened off. Plants are hardened off by moving them outside and exposing them to sun and wind before transplanting occurs. Start about two weeks before transplanting and gradually expose the plants to outside conditions. Increase the number of hours and degree of exposure over the two-week period.

I can’t stress enough how important it is to have adequate light to ensure the growth of healthy plants. It is fairly easy and inexpensive to make a homemade grow light using a four-foot shop light and PVC pipe. We have a supply list and instructions available in our office if you would like to make a DIY grow light.

If you would like to attend an in-person seed starting class, we have four scheduled for this month – February 13 – Thayer; February 15 – Toronto; February 20 – Uniontown; and February 22 – Humboldt. Classes are from 6-7 pm and the fee is $5. To register, please call 620-365-2242.

 

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Horticulture agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.