Category Archives: K-State Extension

Area News, Bourbon County, K-State Extension, Youth

4-H Spring Dog Show: May 25 at 1 p.m.

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Pictured is Ella Snider and her dog Tex earned 5th overall in their division at the Kansas State Fair last year. Submitted.

Zach Ross, Fort Scott,  is the  Kansas State University Southwind District coordinator for the local 4-H dog program. That district is comprised of Allen, Bourbon, Neosho and Woodson counties.

He and his wife, Aubrey,  will be hosting a Spring Dog Show at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds on May 25 at 1 p.m.

The event is for youth participating in 4-H Clubs

“Typically (dog) handlers compete at the Bourbon County Fair to qualify to take their dogs to the Kansas State Fair,” she said. “The Southwind District has 43 handlers who have an opportunity that day, at least 10 from Bourbon County. Zach and I have been coaching the Bourbon County group for three years and we have several handlers who are looking to move up in agility and obedience divisions and need to have more qualifying scores to be able to go to state.”

“We’ve invited all regional dog show programs to attend and compete, she said. ” Handlers will be competing in Agility, Showmenship, Obedience, and Rally Obedience.”

“We are excited to have this opportunity for our handlers and want to share their hard work with the community,” she said.

The event is free for spectators and the dog handlers.

“Many of our handlers are ready to move up and our program needs to purchase advanced equipment,” she said.  “We will be accepting donations that will help fund new equipment so that handlers can compete in higher-level events in the future.”

Checks can be made to 4-H Council and in memo: Dog Program and be sent or delivered to the K-State Extension Office at 210 S. National, Fort Scott, 66701.

The Bourbon County Fair Dog Show is on July 13 at 8 a.m.

 

K-State Extension

Celebrating Older Americans Month:  Powered by Connection

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Tara Soloman-Smith, Family and Wellness Agent, Sunflower District of Kansas State University’s Extension Office. Submitted photo.

 

It’s time to celebrate all with Older Americans Month (OAM) this May. This is an opportunity to recognize older Americans’ contributions, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm commitments to serving the older adults in our communities.

 

This year’s theme, “Powered by Connection,” focuses on the profound impact that meaningful connections have on the well-being and health of older adults.  It’s not just about having someone to chat with.  It’s about the transformative potential of community engagement in enhancing mental, physical, and emotional well-being.  By recognizing and nurturing the role that connectedness plays, we can mitigate issues like loneliness, ultimately promoting healthy aging for more Americans.

How can community groups, businesses, and organizations mark OAM?

  • Spread the word about the mental, physical, and emotional health benefits of social connection through professional and personal networks.
  • Encourage social media followers to share their thoughts and stories of connection using hashtag #PoweredByConnection to inspire and uplift.
  • Promote opportunities to engage, like cultural activities, recreational programs, and interactive virtual events.
  • Connect older adults with local services, such as counseling, that can help them overcome obstacles to meaningful relationships and access to support systems.
  • Host connection-centric events or programs where older adults can serve as mentors to peers, younger adults, or youths.

What can individuals do to connect?

  • Invite more connection into your life by finding a new passion, joining a social club, taking a class, or trying new activities in your community.
  • Stay engaged in your community by giving back through volunteering, working, teaching, or mentoring.
  • Invest time with people to build new relationships and discover deeper connections with your family, friends, colleagues, or neighbors.

 

For more information, visit https://acl.gov/oam/2024/older-americans-month-2024 or contact Tara Solomon-Smith, [email protected], or call 620-244-3826.

 

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Kansas State Univ

K-State Extension

Community Change

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Amanda Clasen- Community Vitality Agent    

May 2024

If you call a rural community home chances are good you have heard the statement, “Our community will never change.” Maybe you have said it yourself. All communities change over time. The big question is, how will it change? Will community members do nothing and just let change happen, or will they direct change, so the community moves into the future in a way that is preferred?

If the trend in the community is to just let things get old and fall apart, whether it be the pool, playground equipment, basketball courts, community centers, etc., then the community is changing, and probably not in the way most families would find appealing.

On the other hand, maybe a community directs the change. Residents decide to invest in the community, whether it is with new playground equipment, a new pool, a new summer recreation program or events that families can enjoy. These investments take resources – both time and money – but change the community in a way that residents find appealing and inspire pride. Changes don’t have to be physical; a new summer recreation program or family fun events that cost minimal amounts of money can happen using talents and skills of community members.

If you think your community hasn’t changed, or will never change, I challenge you to visit with some of its longer-term residents. Ask them what it was like there when they were growing up. I can guarantee that things have changed. Now, ask yourself, were those changes just things that happened, or did the community work to make them happen?

You certainly don’t have control over everything. You can’t control how much snow comes each winter or if it is going to rain. You can’t change the geography of the land around your community. You can change the way you share ideas about the future of your community with others.

 

You can change the way you welcome new people to your town. You can change the way you invite young people to see that they have a future in the community. You can take actions to improve the appearance of your community by keeping the community clean, planting flowers, putting appealing displays in story windows, and more. Maybe it’s working together as a community to make the reality of a new pool, or other amenity, a reality.

The sky is the limit. And it’s not easy. Think about what kind of future is your community building to be sure it is a place that keeps people there? And what are you doing to help?

 

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

 

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Starlite FCE Minutes May, 2024

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The Starlite FCE held its May meeting at the Presbyterian Village Meeting Room.  Vice President Joyce Allen called the meeting to order.  Letha Johnson led the club in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the Club Collect.  Seven members and one guest were in attendance.  The members reported that they had 26 volunteer hours and had recycled 265 pounds.

 

Terri Williams read the minutes of the previous meeting.  Letha Johnson moved that the minutes be approved as read, Doris Ericson seconded the motion, motion carried.  It was announced that Earth Day is April 22nd this year.  Doris Ericson presented the Treasurer’s report and announced that there was no council report this month.  Deb Lust moved that we accept the Treasurer’s report, Letha Johnson seconded, motion carried.  Joyce Allen recognized the April birthday which was Glenda Miller.

 

Deb Lust announced the Cassidy Lutz, an agent with Southwind Extension District had accepted another passion.

 

Old Business consisted of a reminder that the area Recognition Day will be May 2nd in Erie.

 

Joyce Allen reminded the members that they needed to return their insurance card.

 

Betty Johnson moved that the meeting be adjourned, Le Anna Taylor second the motion, meeting adjourned.  After the meeting Deb Lust presented the lesson on “The Silent Killer” facts about ovarian cancer.

 

Refreshments of Strawberry Fluff, nuts, mints and water were provided by Doris Ericson and Deb Lust and enjoyed by all.

 
Government, K-State Extension, Kansas

Backyard Birding – Tips for Attracting Hummingbirds

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In the last week or so, I’ve seen several posts on social media that the hummingbirds have arrived! Feeding the hummingbirds is one of my favorite activities. If you are an avid feeder or are just thinking about getting started, here is some information to attract more to your home.

Although there are approximately 360 species of hummingbirds between North and South America, 99.99% of all hummingbirds found in our area will be the Ruby-throated. Their furious spring migration starts in April and continues until early May. Once the migration is complete, hummingbirds settle into nesting mode.

Nests are built in June, with the female determining the site location. The Ruby-throated hummingbird nests will be built near the tip of a down-sloping tree branch with a fairly open area below and the canopy above. Popular tree species for nest building include oak, yellow birch, pine and hackberry. Hummingbirds generally prefer deciduous tree species over conifers. The nesting site will be determined based upon availability of nectar sources and insects. The nests are small – no larger than the size of a quarter!

When it comes to food sources, hummingbirds are attracted to the color red. It is like a flashing neon on sign to them. To prove this point, try putting on a red cap or shirt and sit quietly near a feeder. The hummingbirds will definitely check you out! However, hummingbirds do feed on more than just red flowers.

Any flowering plant that has a trumpet-style flower and is in the red/orange sector of the color spectrum will be quite attractive to hummingbirds. In his presentation, Chuck highlighted several plants to include in your landscape to bring in the most birds. The list included: traditional red Salvia, Agastache, Scarlet runner bean, Cardinal flower, Beebalm, Trumpet Creeper (only if you have lots of space), Butterfly Bush, Hollyhock, Rose of Sharon, Cardinal Climber and Canna.

In southeastern Kansas, our feeders need to be up and open for business by the second week of April. Here are several tips for feeder management:

  • You CAN’T have too many feeders!
  • Don’t fill feeders completely full – clean at each filling
  • If hummingbirds are not emptying feeder – change nectar and clean every 2-3 days
  • Do not dye the water red – just a small amount of red on the feeder is all you need
  • Artificial nectar – 4 parts water, 1 part sugar

One eight ounce feeder will fulfill the daily energy needs of 40 to 60 hummingbirds. By having more feeders available, this will allow the hummingbirds to feed more easily with less stress. Also, it will decrease the likelihood of territorial fighting. If you’ve fed hummingbirds in the past, then I’m sure you know all about the one that seems to be the gatekeeper at the feeder!

In casual conversations, you might hear someone say that they have no hummingbirds over the summer, while others seem to be overrun with hummers. This could be due to “neighborhood feeder saturation.” Basically, this is when the number of feeders within a geographic area exceeds the biological needs of the hummingbirds present which spreads the birds out. Populations of birds can be cyclical – you can have hummers for several summers and then those birds go elsewhere or don’t survive the winter. However, in a year or two, the population will probably cycle back around.

If you have no hummingbird activity by late May or early June, you may just want to take the feeders down until early August. The south bound migration usually starts in late July or early August. Many bird watchers indicate that August and September are actually their best months.

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.

 

 

K-State Extension

The Practice of Self Compassion

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Tara Soloman-Smith, Family and Wellness Agent, Sunflower District of Kansas State University’s Extension Office. Submitted photo.

The Practice of Self Compassion

 

We all have an inner critic that says negative things. Some think it pushes us, but it can harm us. Being kind to ourselves is important for our well-being, especially during times of stress and suffering.  Self-compassion, which is relating to ourselves with kindness, care, and understanding instead of self-judgment, can help.

 

Researcher, Dr. Kristin Neff, talks about self-compassion having three parts:

  • Self-kindness

We are gentle and understanding with ourselves rather than harsh and critical.

  • Recognition of our common humanity

Our shared imperfections and experiences of suffering are what unite us as humans, preventing feelings of isolation.

  • Mindfulness

we hold our experience in balanced awareness, rather than ignoring our pain or exaggerating it.

 

The Great Good Science Center shares the benefits of practicing self-compassion:

  • It enhances well-being and motivation
  • It helps us to relate to and be present for others
  • When practiced, we become more empathetic and forgiving and can resolve conflict in healthier ways
  • When people are more self-compassionate, they are better able to cope with difficult life experiences.
  • Self-compassion is associated with higher self-efficacy, or confidence in one’s ability to succeed, and lower fear of failure
  • When self-compassionate people do fail, they use healthier coping strategies and are better able to bounce back.

For more information, contact Tara Solomon-Smith, [email protected], or call 620-244-3826.

 

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Kansas State University Agricultural Experi

Bourbon County, Food, Fort Scott, Government, K-State Extension, Kansas

Kelly Perry: Kansas State Food Fellow Offers Free Workshop For Local Food Sellers

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Kelly Perry. Sumbitted photo.

Kelly Perry answered a job ad from the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team posting in October, 2023 for a local food fellow position.

“I was so excited and quickly applied and in January was interviewed by Amanda Lindahl, Local Food System Program Coordinator with Kansas State, and Rachel Carpenter with HBCAT,” she said. ” I love food, small business, and local so this was right up my alley.  The duties were pretty vast for an 18-week program that is brand new across the state…and I landed this awesome opportunity!”
“As part of my job duties, I am required to hold an educational workshop,” she said. “I wanted to focus on food labeling at the farmers market. I know our local Fort Scott Farmers Market is growing like crazy, pun intended. I figured it would be a great topic for people to learn what the state requires at pop-up shops, festivals, bake sales, and farmers’ markets. I also wanted to cover the proper food licenses required by the state.”
“The main reason for this is that I receive about three calls, texts, or messages a week asking food-related questions from everyday people who own, run, or are thinking of starting a business full-time, part-time, or occasionally,” she said.
Kelly and her husband Thadeus Perry own Perry’s Pork Rinds and Country Store in Bronson.

“People know me and know I’m willing to help if I can,” she said. “Sometimes people get intimidated or scared of the inspectors or do not know who to contact to ask the questions so that leads them to me. I, for one, have had to attend countless seminars, online Zoom meetings, and hours of reading to learn about my family’s business Perry’s Pork Rinds, and our food laws and regulations.”

“I remember having the state Inspector show up at our front door needing to look over our home-based business back in 2018,” Perry said. “I remember the federal meat inspector showing up as well, due to the product we make being a meat product. I cried each time someone would flash their badge at the front door and I’d panic. After years of visits, and our yearly renewal inspections I came to realize food inspection, safety, and visits were not intimidating or anything to be scared of.”
“They had a job to do and if we were doing something wrong they would answer questions and tell us what to do to fix it and be in compliance,” she said. ” It’s in the state’s best interest to HAVE business in operation and to generate revenue. They want the businesses but they also have standards and regulations to help keep us all safe, both the consumer as well as the producer.”
“I figured a food license discussion would help so many who were just unsure, curious or didn’t know where to start,” she said.
The workshop is FREE to anyone from any part of the state, from 6-8 p.m. at the HBCAT offices, 104 N. National Avenue on Monday, April 15.
“We ask that you register so we can make sure to have enough handouts and packets created,” she said.
“We are so fortunate to have From the Land of Kansas’s very own Robyn Dolby attend and present a slide show and answer questions,” Perry said. “We will also have the K-State Local Food System Program Coordinator Amanda Lindahl coming to discuss the Local Food Fellow Program as well.”
Robin Dolby, From the Land of Kansas Marketing Coordinator, Kansas Dept. of Agriculture. Submitted photo.
Amanda Lindahl from her LinkedIn page.
“My goal with this Local Food Fellow position and HBCAT goal is to provide knowledge, access to resources, and networking,” she said. “We can then grow as producers, growers, suppliers, and a community! HBCAT always has the saying  Stronger Together and it is just that simple.”
 A description for the position she accepted is
– Update the Bourbon County Wholesale Food Directory
– Create a storytelling campaign on food-related business.
– Organize an Educational Workshop in Bourbon County.
– Complete the final report to be submitted to the K-State Research and Extension Local Food Systems Program Coordinator
K-State Extension, Youth

Helping Children Self-Regulate

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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

Helping Children Self-Regulate

Self-regulation is defined as the ability to manage thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. These skills develop in young children as they interact with their family, caregivers, and environments.

Children who are able to keep themselves calm during a frustrating situation, instead of having a tantrum, are using their self-regulation skills. These skills can be learned throughout the lifespan but can be extra beneficial for young children. By controlling their emotions, children can focus more on achieving their goals while keeping an open mind that stimulates learning.

Brain development plays a big role in self-regulation. Infants rely on the “survival center” near the bottom of the brainstem to maintain things like breathing and digestion. Toddlers and preschoolers start to use their “emotional center” known as the amygdala to communicate and express themselves through feelings. Young children and adolescents begin to use their “thinking center” or the cerebrum to problem solve, think before acting, and organize their behavior. Without the development of self-regulation skills, children will be stuck relying on the survival and emotional centers in their brains. This makes it hard for children to control their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

To develop these skills, the brain needs safe and meaningful interactions with family members, peers, and the world around them. This helps the brain make new connections that help with thought process and learning. To help your child(ren) develop these skills, start by focusing on building a strong connection with them. Respond warmly and consistently to their emotional and physical needs and encourage exploration and learning. Family routines and rituals are also beneficial to foster learning. This can look like family meals together, playtime, or bedtime routines. Focusing on positive rules can also encourage critical thinking. Focus on what things they should do instead of what they shouldn’t.

Practice makes perfect for children and adults alike. If your child has a hard time controlling themselves in certain environments, continue to practice what that should look like and focus on what they are feeling. If you encourage them to share openly some of the things that frustrate them, you will be able to talk through those things and help them overcome them. Practicing through play can be a positive way for your child to practice new skills. Encouraging breathing and mindfulness exercises can also help children calm down and be aware of what they are feeling. These activities help them return control to their “thinking center” of the brain, which will help them make good choices.

Self-regulation is a skill that can be developed with time, help, and support. Therapy, counseling, and parent support groups may be helpful resources for you to seek out as you support your child(ren)’s healthy development. For more information, contact Cassidy Lutz at [email protected] or by calling 620-625-8620.

 

K-State Extension

Reducing Food Waste on Earth Day (And Every Day!)

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Clara Misenhelter (Wicoff) Submitted photo 2023

 

 

By Clara Misenhelter

Southwind Extension District

 

With Earth Day coming up on April 22nd, it is timely to be thinking about what you can do to make a difference. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that wasted food is responsible for more than half of landfill methane emissions. Clearly, reducing food waste can make a difference for the environment. However, did you know that reducing food waste can also save you money? According to the United States Department of Agriculture, the average U.S. household can save about $370 per person each year by reducing food waste.

 

So, how can you reduce your food waste to help both the environment and your wallet? Check out these tips from K-State Research and Extension:

  • Shop your refrigerator first. Check to see what you already have before you create your weekly meal plan.
  • Don’t forget about leftovers! Label your leftovers with the date to ensure you will eat them or freeze them within 3-4 days. All leftovers should be reheated to 165°F as measured by a food thermometer for food safety.
  • Make a shopping list and stick to it. This will help curb that pesky impulse shopping that can cause you to purchase items you won’t be able to use in time.
  • Store your food properly. Food stored improperly will spoil more quickly and need to be thrown away. One key tip is to place an appliance thermometer in both your refrigerator and in your freezer. Keep your refrigerator at 40°F or below and your freezer at 0°F or below.

 

However, it is also important to keep in mind the following rule: When in doubt, throw it out! If you are not sure whether a food item is spoiled or still safe to eat, it is best to discard it.

 

For more information on the tips listed above as well as others, visit bit.ly/ksrefoodwaste. In addition, consider attending one of the free educational programs I will be offering on Earth Day (April 22nd) to learn about food waste, meal planning, reducing a recipe, strategic grocery shopping, proper food storage, extending the life of food, and checking food product dates. Join me at the Woodson County Ambulance Building in Yates Center (114 N. Main St.) from 12:05 PM to 12:50 PM or at the Southwind Extension District Office in Iola (1006 N. State St.) from 5:15 PM to 6 PM. Contact me with questions at [email protected] or 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.

 

K-State Extension, Youth

Children in the Garden

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Jennifer Terrell, K-State Extension Agent

 

 

Children thrive when outdoors. It provides them the opportunity to observe, explore, and interact with their surroundings.

 

Like other forms of nature therapy, gardening decreases stress by increasing our connection to the natural world around us. It prompts kids to tune in to the changing seasons and weather conditions, teaches mindfulness and promotes physical activity and healthy eating. Add to that the development of confidence, a strong work ethic, and the ability to accept that some things are beyond our control, and it’s no surprise that growing things can result in a growth mindset!

 

Children can be involved in all stages of gardening from designing the garden space to tending the plants. What’s great about gardening is the ability to adapt how children help depending on their age and ability. A few gardening activities could include: germinating seeds, preparing soil, labeling plants, watering produce, pulling weeds, gathering produce, and tasting the produce.

 

While engaging in gardening activities, it is important to set limits with children. Talk with them about the difference between a weed or new plant growth. Discuss the importance of watering and caring for plants. For example, offer a watering can for young children to assist with watering duties.  Children need guidance to learn about their surroundings while having fun.

 

Don’t forget, gardening is a sensory experience. Call attention to the tactile feeling of the soil, the warmth of the sun, the sounds of the birds, the smell of the flowers, and the taste of fresh-picked produce. Each of these senses will be engaged while outdoors in the garden. Take advantage of these teachable moments to explore the world around them.

 

The hard work children put into the garden can be showcased at the local county fair as well. There are opportunities in both the open class and 4-H divisions to submit an exhibit. K-State Research and Extension has great resources to assist with learning more about gardening and selecting items for judging.

 

For more information, reach out to Jennifer Terrell, 4-H Youth Development Agent for K-State Research and Extension – Southwind District by email at [email protected] or by phone 620-223-3720.

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Starlite FCE Minutes March,2024

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The Starlite Family and Consumer Education Unit held its March meeting at the Presbyterian Village Meeting Room.  Before the meeting the members stuffed two hundred plastic Easter eggs for the Tri-Valley clients.

 

President Glenda Miller called the meeting to order.  Vice President Joyce Allen led the club in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the Club Collect. Ten members and one guest were in attendance.  They reported that they had volunteered for thirty-eight hours and had recycled one hundred and ninety-five pounds.

 

Terri Williams read a Thank you note from Preferred Home Living and also presented the Treasurer’s report in Doris’s absence.  Karen Peery presented the Council report.  She announced that the FCE Recognition Day will be May 2nd at the Neosho Vallely Event Center in Erie, and that the Spring Tea will be held April 11th at First Southern Baptist Church in Fort Scott.  Bourbon County is providing salads and has been requested to bring the recipes also.  Karen also reported that Deb Lust had been named the Heart of FCE recipient for the SE Kansas.  The Council had awarded a $200 scholarship to Mackenzie Robertson.  Karen also reminded us that the State FCE meeting will be October 7-9 in Chanute and that she is looking for footed glasses for the table decorations.

 

Glenda Miller presented the Citizenship spotlight.  She highlighted Vietnam War commemoration day which is March 29th.

 

Old Business consisted of Discussion about the Operation Christmas Child, Karen Peery announced that she will obtain the boxes for us and Glenda announced that she had copies of suggested items for the boxes if anyone needed one.

Betty Johnson moved that the meeting be adjourned, LeAnna Taylor seconded the motion, motion carrier.  After the meeting Terri Williams present the program on “Make Active Habits Stick.”  Glenda Miller and Terri Williams provide refreshments of Irish brownies, pretzel shamrocks, mints, candy Easter eggs, nuts and water for the club.

 

 

K-State Extension

Aging with Attitude Regional Expo Set for April 26th

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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.

 

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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.