1Many people believe that memory loss and aging go hand-in-hand. That would assume that as a person gets older his or her memory begins to fail. While some change may be expected as you age, that doesn’t mean you can’t do something about it in the absence of a brain disease, such as Alzheimer’s Disease. You can be proactive in using some strategies and lifestyle adaptations.

Southwind Extension District Agent, Barbara Stockebrand, will be presenting a Texas A&M created workshop series on “Master of Memory” on March 4, 11, and 18 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. The 3-lesson series helps participants understand how memory works and what may affect memory. All sessions will be presented by Zoom, so it will be easy to attend and participate from the comforts of your home.

“Master of Memory” has been found to help participants identify and use strategies to improve memory function. Participants will learn there are different ways to learn new things and different memory strategies; how different foods and nutrients may affect brain function and medications that may affect memory; medical conditions that affect memory and may be reversible, along with how exercise benefits the body and mind.

Call 620-625-8620 to register for this free educational opportunity. Registration is necessary to receive the Zoom link to take part in the program.

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

Even though the calendar says that we are only half-way through winter, the seed catalogs are telling us spring is just around the corner by the number of mailings they are sending out. I think I have already received six or seven!

I thoroughly enjoy flipping through the catalogs and planning what new plants I want to try this year. I’m sure many of you do the exactly the same. But do you understand all of the terminology that you see in seed catalogs? A clear understanding of the lingo used in the catalogs is needed so that you can be the most successful with your plantings.

When shopping for perennials, you will encounter the term “hardiness zone”. The United States (lower 48) is broken up into 8 hardiness zones based upon the lowest average winter temperature for the area. Southeast Kansas is located in zone 6. Knowing what zone your garden is in and seeing what zone the plant is hardy to will help you pick plants that will survive the winter. However, keep in mind that your individual planting areas might include a “microclimate.” A microclimate is an area that the soil, moisture, humidity, heat, wind or other conditions affect the viability of individual plants. So think about your planting site before ordering.

If you are looking at tomatoes, you will probably see the words determinant and indeterminate. These words refer to how large the plants get and how they grow. Determinant types tend to stay more compact and bushy. These are best suited for a smaller garden. Indeterminate types tend to get tall and just keep getting taller over the summer. If you want a tall plant to impress your neighbor, this is the one!

“Days to harvest” refers to the average number of days it usually takes after you set out transplants before you can expect your first harvest. This is highly variable and just because you count back the right number of days from the Fourth of July, doesn’t necessarily mean that you will have ripe tomatoes by then. I have a friend that ordered in an array of sunflower seeds last year in preparation for a September wedding. The “days to harvest” was supposed to be around 70-75 days. So, she counted back from the wedding date and planted accordingly. Unfortunately, they bloomed about day 52 thanks to high heat! It just goes to show us that Mother Nature always wins regardless of our planning.

Terms such as AAS (All American Selections) and Perennial Plant of the Year, indicate that those varieties have been trialed for many years in trial gardens through the United States and have been shown to be outstanding performers. They are often worthy of a place in the garden.

Looking for plants that have disease tolerance or disease resistance is good. But the two terms have different meanings. A plant listed as disease tolerant will probably get a disease common to the plant, but it may not be so bad that treatment is needed. The disease probably won’t affect the appearance much. Disease resistance means the plant has been bred to resist common disease problems and will probably not get the disease. One of the best examples of this is in roses. Some roses will be listed as disease resistant to black spot and then some will be listed as disease tolerant to black spot.

Seed catalogs can be somewhat overwhelming. But if you do your homework and know the lingo, you will be able to pick out the best suited plants for your garden.

If you have questions on variety selection as you browse through your catalogs, please contact me. I would be happy to visit with you.

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Agricultural 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.

Submitted by Carla Nemecek, Southwind Extension District

Funny story – I wrote this paragraph for my column in February of 2019 and apparently, I had no idea what was in my future, our future, only one year later!  “As we are all aware, we are living in a time of rapid change. There have always been changes taking place in our communities, but the different thing today seems to be the rate of change. It happens so fast that we sometimes feel we can hardly keep up. No doubt, with emerging community issues and school activities in full swing, I can relate to struggling to keep up with change.” 

I bring this to your attention because the Southwind Extension District is offering a way to help you navigate this constant change by offering a virtual Community Board Leadership Series. Whether you are elected, appointed, or even volunteered to serve or work with a team this series will help you learn the skills necessary to be successful.

The series will be offered on Tuesdays & Thursdays, February 16, 18, 23 and 25 from Noon to 1:00 pm. Workshop participants will meet virtually and upon registration will receive a link to participate in the live, web-based discussion. Sessions will include Organizing/Leading Effective Meetings, Generations & Behavioral Management, Understanding Fellow Board Members and Conflict Management, and then we will wrap up with Strategic Planning to learn more about establishing a common mission and vision for the board, and how to plan priorities for the future.

We are all busy – and some days in can be overwhelming. Personally, I admit that thinking about all of my personal and professional obligations can be downright stressful. This time of the year, many organizations are reorganizing and looking for volunteer leaders. Regardless of your age, I challenge you to consider your leadership role within your community and look for avenues to serve. It may be through an after-school program, 4-H project leader, local government, or even in your church.

Pre-registration for the event is required by February 12, 2021. The cost of $20 covers for all four sessions for one board member.  Each registration buys a seat, which can be rotated by participants.  Registration also includes a copy of the meeting materials that will be mailed prior to the workshop. Registration is available at www.bit.ly/BoardLeadership2021 or by going to www.southwind.k-state.edu. If you have questions or would prefer to register by phone, please contact Carla Nemecek at the Southwind Extension District, 620-365-2242.

Carla Nemecek
Southwind Extension District
Director & Agent
[email protected]
620-365-2242
1 North Washington, Iola, KS 66749

…

K-State Research and Extension is conducting a series of virtual Board Leadership workshops across the Southwind District February 16, 18, 23 & 25.

Designed to provide basic training for members of community-based boards, the series will be hosted by local Extension professionals from the Southwind and Wildcat Extension Districts, and participants are invited to join from any remote location of their choice.

Informed and committed board members are the key to healthy, effective boards and committees in our Kansas communities.  K-State Research and Extension’s Board Leadership Series will provide an opportunity for board members to learn the basics of being a good board member.  Whether you are a member of a church board, a township board, a United Way agency board, or a rural water board, this training is appropriate for you.

The series will kick-off on February 16 with Organizing/Leading Effective Meetings.  During this session, participants will learn about their roles and responsibilities as a board member, basics of parliamentary procedure, and strategies to make meetings more productive and effective.

On February 18, the topic will be Generations & Behavioral Management. This session will explore how personalities and generational differences affect the decision-making process.

The February 23 session will cover Understanding Fellow Board Members and Conflict Management. Participants will learn how to manage conflict in a way that is productive, not destructive, to the board.

Strategic Planning will be the final topic on February 25.  Participants will learn about establishing a common mission and vision for the board, and how to plan priorities for the future.

All sessions will be conducted from Noon to 1:00 pm. Workshop participants will meet virtually and upon registration will receive a link to participate in the live, web-based discussion.

Pre-registration for the event is required by February 12, 2021. The cost of $20 covers for all four sessions for one board member.  Each registration buys a seat, which can be rotated by participants.  Registration also includes a copy of the meeting materials that will be mailed prior to the workshop. Registration is available at www.bit.ly/BoardLeadership2021 or by going to www.southwind.k-state.edu. If you have questions or would prefer to register by phone, please contact Carla Nemecek at the Southwind Extension District, 620-365-2242.

Carla Nemecek
Southwind Extension District
Director & Agent
[email protected]
620-365-2242
1 North Washington, Iola, KS 66749

Each year, the All-America Selections (AAS) tests and introduces new flowers and vegetables to home gardeners. These plants have proven themselves to do well in trials across North America. The AAS winner label is like a stamp of approval. This year, there were three vegetables winners and three flower winners.

The descriptions were taken from All-America Selections material.

Pepper Pot-a-peno F1 – this is a fun new jalapeno pepper with a compact habit perfect for growing in containers or hanging baskets. The plentiful small, green jalapeno fruits have a traditional spicy zip that is great in any dish where you want a little punch of spice. It is earlier to mature than other jalapenos giving a head start on the garden harvest. A unique trait of Pot-a-peno is how the fruit hangs down beneath the plant making it very easy to harvest without damaging the appearance or productivity of the plant. In addition, the dense foliage canopy makes for an attractive addition to the patio.

Squash Goldilocks F1 – in the trials, this was a vigorous plant with high yield, disease tolerance, and a rich nutty flavor. With its bright orange color and uniform shape, it can also double as an ornamental decoration.

Echalion Crème Brulee (BGS-270) F1 – this is the first ever shallot to win the AAS. The single-centered bulbs have a bright coppery pink outer skin and a pretty rosy-purple interior with thick rings. The sweet tender bulbs are earlier to mature than the comparisons and have a slight citrusy flavor when eaten raw. This is a fantastic variety for the home gardener as well as fresh market growers.

Celosia Kelos® Candela Pink – an AAS judge described this entry as the “Energizer Bunny” that just kept blooming! Judges loved the bright pink blooms that rose above the foliage, almost like a tall, tapered candle. Unique, showy plumes of pink flowers kept their color all season long and the judges agreed that it was a perfect filler plant to add height and interest to a combination container planting. However, it could also be useful in mass plantings, borders, and general garden use. Another added bonus: it works well as a dried flower.

Leucanthemum Sweet Daisy Birdy – a beautiful perennial with robust, long-lasting blooms and carefree longevity in gardens. In the trials, it demonstrated excellent cold and heat tolerance and maintained a tidy, sturdy habit over the three-year trial. The flowers are large and pure white in color, appearing earlier in the season than the comparison varieties. Leucanthemums, also known as Shasta Daisies, are used for both cut flowers and garden highlights while also providing food and habitat for many kinds of pollinators.

Zinnia Profusion Red Yellow Bicolor – a beautiful new bicolor addition to the popular Profusion series of zinnias. This gorgeous zinnia starts the season with a bold vibrant red center ring surrounded by golden yellow outer petals. As the season progresses, the aging flowers morph into soft, beautiful shades of apricot, salmon, and dusty rose. This zinnia continued to bloom new flowers over old so there was never a decline in the beauty presented.

For full details of the 2021 All America Selection winners, including descriptions and ordering information, visit www.all-americaselections.org

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

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

Submitted by: Carla Nemecek, Southwind Extension District, Director & Agent

Kansas State University provides you with research-based information through many avenues. Locally, your contact is the Southwind Extension District in Erie, Ft. Scott, Yates Center and Iola. Hundreds of publications and fact sheets, written by K-State researchers and specialists, are available through the university’s Publications Library, www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/ Another alternative is to research the information provided on the Southwind website, www.southwind.k-state.edu/  In 2021, we are working toward making more information and resources available to you in a digital format – but that initiative is a work in progress!

Not all of our services can be found on the internet. One of the most utilized resources is soil testing. K-State Research & Extension can test soil for $13 per sample or $11 apiece for two or more. Soil testing is recommended for gardeners, farmers, testing for lawn & turf problems, or pasture management. Feed and forage testing is also offered. The only way to know for certain the quality of the feed is to get a lab analysis of it, to take a forage test. A forage test may run from $12-24 per sample, depending on what you want the sample tested for. Other tests that are available include Radon Test Kits ($7) and Water Quality Testing resources.

The 2021 Chemical Weed Control Guide arrived in our offices last week and provides suggestions for chemical weed control in most major row crops and pastures. It offers recommendations, and guidelines for crop specific chemicals to ensure you are using the best product for the situation.

This time of the year, we sell quite a few Farm and Family Account Books ($4.50 – $8.50). If you haven’t made the transition to computerized record keeping, this resource allows for an accurate accounting of your finances in a form that makes completing taxes easier.

Have you ever wondered what that unidentified pest or plant lurking around your home may be, or even how you can get rid of it? The Extension Office has expertise and resources available to identify pests that are common to our area and in Kansas. This includes home and crop insects, weeds, and various plants. We can also provide information on how to remove or control the pest, depending on your situation.

One of our “best kept secret” products that we offer for sale are odor neutralizers.  Ecosorb ($28) is used in numerous homes, farm and industrial/commercial applications. Most of our clients seek this product to control the odor from fuel spills, mold smell, or skunk sprays.  Neutroleum Alpha ($38) is a concentrated product utilized in a similar fashion to control strong odors. Because it is a concentrate, it can be used in a larger area.

Extension publications are very accessible to the public, and most are free if you pick them up in the Extension Office. The Kansas Garden Guide is a popular publication that is available for only $6. If you are looking for resources on planning a garden, seeding & planting, or details about a specific crop, this publication is a must-have.  Extension offers many, many publications on home gardening so please stop by if you are looking for something specific.

Area farmers and ranchers often utilize the Kansas Performance Tests for various crops to determine which varieties will grow best in this area of the state. Next month, the 2021 Hybrid Reports for Corn, Soybeans, and Grain Sorghum will become available in the Extension Office. This is in addition to the Wheat Seed Book that is always available in late summer after wheat has been harvested and data collected.

As a consumer, you have many options for finding the answers to your questions. By choosing to use the Extension Service, you can be sure you are getting research-based, unbiased information. We encourage you to use the Southwind Extension District Offices in Erie, Ft. Scott, Yates Center and Iola to help answer your questions. For the latest information, please like our Facebook page, ‘Southwind Extension District’ or you can find us on the web, www.southwind.k-state.edu/

Carla Nemecek
Southwind Extension District
Director & Agent
[email protected]
620-365-2242
1 North Washington, Iola, KS 66749

Are you eligible for Medicare because you are turning 65 years old or reaching the 25th month of long-term disability? Figuring out when to enroll in Medicare and which parts to enroll in can be daunting. There’s Part A, Part B, Part D, medigap plans, Medicare Advantage plans and so on. And what the heck is a doughnut hole, anyway? A virtual New to Medicare workshop will be held January 27th to help you get the answers to all of these and more, but where else can you find reliable information about Medicare? 

The ‘Medicare and You’ handbook is the official U.S. government Medicare handbook.  The handbook is a summary of Medicare benefits, coverage options, rights and protections, and answers to the most frequently asked questions.  You can order a paper or Braille handbook by calling 1-800-633-4227. Other electronic versions of the handbook include PDF, e-book, and audio, all are available at medicare.gov under resources.  

Another reliable resource is the Kansas Insurance Department. On the website, insurance.kansas.gov/medicare/, you will find a Medicare Supplement Shopper’s Guide in PDF format and an online Medicare supplement comparison tool.  This is a great way to price compare a variety of Medigap plans, companies, and estimated prices to narrow down decisions.  

Social Security handles enrollment for Original Medicare (Parts A and B).  There is a variety of publications online to help guide you through Medicare Benefits at ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/.  

Each state has a health insurance assistance program to provide free help to Medicare beneficiaries who have question. The Kansas program is administered through the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability and is called SHICK, Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas.  Certified volunteers provide free one-to-one counseling and educational programs to help Medicare beneficaries gain the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about health insurance.  SHICK does not sell insurance or endorse any insurance company, product, or agent.  To find a counselor near you, call 1-800-860-5260.    

New to Medicare workshop through Zoom will be held Wednesday, January 27th at 6 p.m. The program is free, registration required: http://bit.ly/SouthwindMedicare.  The program will walk you through the basics of Medicare to provide a foundation of information to help you navigate the decision making process.  The workshop is taught by Joy Miller, Certified SHICK Counselor. For more information, call 620-223-3720 or e-mail [email protected]. 

Program to be Offered to Support Family Caregivers

A couple of months ago I wrote an article on supporting family caregivers. You might remember that I mentioned family caregivers, often referred to as informal caregivers, provide 90% of the long-term care offered in America. The value of the unpaid care they provide runs into the hundreds of billions of dollars.

Caregivers frequently experience the need to ‘do it all’. ‘Doing it all,’ from the caregiver’s perspective, may not include caring for themselves so they can thrive, and not just survive during their caregiving experience.

The Southwind Extension District is joining the Wildcat Extension District and also Sedgwick County Extension in offering Powerful Tools for Caregivers. This educational program is designed to support family caregivers in taking better care of themselves while caring for a relative or a friend. The program can benefit participants who are helping a parent, spouse, child, friend or someone who lives at home, in a nursing home, or across the country.

The 6-session course will be offered virtually on Thursdays, January 14 – February 18, 2021, from 1:30-3:00 p.m. A $5.00 registration fee covers the postage for sending out the Caregiver Helpbook. The helpbook includes topics on: Hiring in-home help, helping memory impaired elders, making legal, financial, and care decisions, understanding depression, and making decisions about driving.

Caregiver tools provided as part of the sessions include: Helping the caregiver reduce stress; communicating effectively; encouraging ways for the caregiver to take care of themselves; reducing caregiver guilt, anger and depression; helping the caregiver to relax; making tough decisions; setting goals and problem solving.

Register online by going to https://bit.ly/tools4care or call the Yates Center Southwind office at 620-625-8620. Class size will be limited. Registering early will allow staff to help participants be able to participate virtually and to receive the Caregiver Helpbook prior to sessions beginning.

The program is being offered at a reduced cost thanks to partial funding by the K-State Research and Extension Adult Development and Aging Program Focus Team and the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas.

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

By Clara Wicoff, Nutrition, Food and Health Agent

With 2022 on the horizon, you may be thinking about setting goals for the new year. However, research indicates that most Americans fail to achieve their New Year’s resolutions. So, how can you set yourself up for success? Be SMART about your goals for 2022 by setting set goals which are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-framed.

Specific goals include exactly what you want to achieve. For example, “I will make half my grains whole grains” is a more specific goal than “I will eat healthier.” This sample goal also has the added benefit of aligning with MyPlate recommendations!

Measurable goals state how you will determine your success. To make your goals measurable, ask yourself: How will I know if my goal has been achieved? Let’s say you want to be more active in the upcoming year. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults do muscle-strengthening activities on at least two days per week. This includes activities such as bodyweight exercises, lifting weights, shoveling snow, mowing the lawn with a push mower, and even gardening and weeding! “I will do muscle-strengthening activities on two days each week” is an example of a measurable goal which aligns with this physical activity recommendation.

It is also crucial to make your goals achievable. Achievable goals are realistic for you personally. Take into consideration all internal and external factors, including your skills, resources, and time. When making health-related goals, recognize that small steps add up over time. If completing moderate-intensity physical activity for 150 minutes each week (as recommended by the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans) isn’t realistically achievable for you right now, then start smaller and set a goal which you can accomplish!

Next, make your goals relevant. Setting goals which match what really matters to you will increase your motivation to achieve them. If you have children and enjoy cooking, one example of a relevant goal may be to cook a meal together at least once each week.

Finally, your goals should be time-framed. Creating a timeline or setting a deadline encourages you to stay on track. “I will increase my physical activity by participating in Walk Kansas from March to May in 2022” is just one example of a time-framed goal!

SMART goals are a well-established tool which can be used to help you set and achieve objectives. As an extension agent, I seek to provide research-based educational programs which help people improve their lives, livelihoods, businesses, and communities. These programs, as well as those provided by my fellow agents, may help you achieve your SMART goals! To learn more about the programs we offer or to get more information about setting SMART goals, contact me at [email protected] or by calling 620-365-2242.