It’s the season where we are looking for all things to be merry and bright. However, this holiday season is likely to look differently from previous years for all of us.

The focus on family and togetherness during this time of year can leave anyone not able to participate in their traditional customs feeling isolated or unhappy under “normal” circumstances. With our current environment, additional feelings of gloom can be expected, especially for older adults.

Isolation makes the holidays hard. A lot of changes may have taken place over the past year. Older adults inevitably suffer losses, even if they are relatively healthy. Friends may have become ill, the neighborhood may have changed, decreased energy levels – all resulting in feelings of lost independence and opportunities.

While we may have to work at adapting our own holiday plans and traditions, we need to remember what the holiday season is truly about. Some things may need to be simplified, yet we can still focus on what is really important: the people that matter in our lives. Here are some thoughts to brighten the darker winter days for those who remain at a distance.

–Be an active listener. Talk about what your loved one wants to talk about, even if the conversation tends to be negative. An empathetic listener can help them work through what is troubling them. Conversations might help them realize why they feel down and help find ways to improve their spirits.

–Remind them they are a significant part of your life. They may feel useless or burdensome if they cannot fully participate in festivities. Encouragement to do what they are capable of doing and showing them they are loved is important.

–Ask family members to send cards, photographs and drawings to help keep seasonal mail cheerful. The traditional Christmas cards don’t always bring good news of updates from life-long friends and acquaintances, especially for older adults. Looking forward to receiving those cards and then not receiving one here and there can create concern for those friends.

–Help family members understand that you are trying to simplify your holidays to focus on what matters with the celebrations. Remind them that family and friendships are what is most important.

–If a virtual get-together is possible, plan a time for all family members to join. It doesn’t have to be on a particular holiday. If a loved one is in a care facility, see if arrangements can be made where the staff would arrange for a virtual visit. Interactions with younger generations can be most uplifting for older adults.

–Send easy-to-use decorations that can be hung in smaller living areas, such as removable window clings or artificial wreaths to help create a festive atmosphere. Then phone or video call to follow up with the decorating process. Be prepared to listen to reflections on past holidays.

–Make some traditional baked goods or treats that can be safely sent through the mail and send those to family members. If several family units are involved, but cannot gather, consider each family taking a traditional recipe and sending some of that product to all family units usually involved in the gathering. Traditions based around food and certain recipes can be continued but in a new way.

–Remember, spending time with older adults speaks volumes in helping them feel included and letting them know they are loved. We may need to do that in a safe way through social distancing, wearing masks, sending notes and things through the mail, or meeting virtually. However you go about your holiday traditions this year, any time you can share is a precious gift.

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

The Kansas Forest Service is offering low-cost conservation tree and shrub seedlings for purchase again this year. These seedlings are to be used in conservation plantings, such as home/livestock windbreaks, living snow fences, Christmas tree plantations, firewood lots, habitats for game birds and wildlife, barriers to reduce noise pollution, blocking ugly views, marking property lines and creating habitat for songbirds.

These plants are 1 or 2 years old, and their sizes vary from 5 to 18 inches, depending on species. Most of the trees are bare-root seedlings, however some are available as container-grown seedlings such as Ponderosa pine and Southwestern white pine. Some of the deciduous trees that are available include: bald cypress, black walnut, bur oak, cottonwood, hackberry, redbud, and sycamore. Shrubs available include American plum, chokecherry, lilac, and sand hill plum. This is not a complete listing of available trees and not all trees are recommended for this area.

The Kansas Forest Service also offers tree “bundles” for purchase. The Quail Bundle offers a variety of shrubs designed to attract quail, including American plum, fragrant sumac, golden current and chokecherry. It was created in cooperation with Quail Forever to provide excellent food and habitat for upland bird species in eastern Kansas.

A popular favorite that was introduced last year is the pollinator bundle. Designed to improve the habitat for a diverse array of pollinating insects, it primarily focuses on native bees, honey bees, butterflies and moths. This bundle is composed of seven species of shrubs and small trees – American plum, chokecherry, golden currant, false indigo, elderberry, buttonbush and eastern redbud.

Not certain what you would like to order? Then stop by the Extension office and pick up a brochure that has color pictures of various trees and shrubs at maturity. Orders for conservation trees are accepted now through the first full week of May, with shipments beginning in March. However, I recommend that you order early to ensure availability of trees. Order forms and price sheets are available at the Southwind District Extension Office in Erie, Iola Fort Scott, and Yates Center or can be mailed or e-mailed.

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.

There has been a lot of buzz about Zoom meetings. In many households, it has become an everyday term in describing how someone was going to go about their work or school day, or meet with family or friends.

With the holiday season here, many families may be opting to connect through Zoom rather than having the large family gathering.

If you are one of those who would like to learn how to be a part of a Zoom meeting, whether for educational purposes or just for fun with others, a hands-on practice session is being offered through Southwind Extension District.

Barbara Stockebrand, Southwind District Agent will be offering two opportunities for a little experience with the Zoom program format.

The sessions will take place December 8 at 10:30 a.m. and December 10 at 3:30 p.m. Both sessions will cover the same information.

Participants can register for either session by calling 620-625-8620 or emailing [email protected]. Sessions will be limited to six participants each.

Participants need to have an email address as well as a laptop or desktop with a web cam, or an iPad or smartphone. Instructions will be sent prior to the sessions on how to download the app. If responses require more sessions, we will be glad to set them up!

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

Submitted by: Carla Nemecek, Southwind Extension District Director 

The Southwind Extension District Iola Office is currently in the process of relocating from the Allen County Courthouse to 1006 N. State Street in Iola. While the move was unexpected, the new building is more visible and accessible to the public and we are looking forward to possibilities.

Moving is good for cleaning and each day brings a new discovery of informative and historical Extension publications. Most recently, the 1966 National 4-H Club Foundation “Game of Democracy” surfaced and I can’t help but be amazed at how relevant the information is today.

The forward states “Every phase of our daily life and the lives of those about us is touched by government. We ask our government to protect our well-being and it demands that we insure the well-being of others.” Additionally, “The 4-H program is often referred to as a democracy in action. 4-H teaches citizenship responsibility to its members in a democratic climate. Everyone is born a citizen, but citizenship needs to be learned.”

While the box, cards and instructions are more than 50 years old, the ideology of the game remains steadfast with 4-H. The Game of Democracy is intended to simulate learning experiences to help adolescents learn about our democratic society, and Kansas 4-H currently offers leadership and citizenship opportunities through work in 4-H clubs and project learning experiences.

If you want your family to explore ways to be involved with the community while gaining valuable hands on life skills then now is the time to join 4-H in the Southwind Extension District.

There are 21 4-H clubs in Allen, Bourbon, Neosho and Woodson Counties with club leaders who are motivated to teach your kids science, technology, engineering and math skills while involving them in club and project meetings that demonstrate leadership.

The Southwind District is currently celebrating our annual 4-H achievements and I continue to be impressed by the volume of community service that our clubs give back to local communities.

We have all been affected by the global pandemic, and sometimes I’m not even confident in where my workday or week will lead me. However, I know for certain that the 4-H program in the Southwind District is a strong and vibrant program with much to offer for families with rural or urban backgrounds and families who are interested in contributing to more vibrant local communities.

4-H really is a game of democracy – and while it has changed since 1966, 4-H continues to equip our youth with the skills it takes to lead our communities into a future full of hope and promise.

For more information about joining 4-H, visit www.southwind.k-state.edu and find the Southwind Extension District on Facebook.

If you are interested in statistics, here are some staggering figures to think about. There are over 44 million Americans who are unpaid caregivers to family, friends, and neighbors. Family caregivers provide an overwhelming 90% of long-term care in America. According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, the value of the unpaid care these millions of caregivers provide is estimated to be worth $375 billion.

November is National Family Caregivers Month. This month is set aside to honor, recognize and support the unpaid caregiver. They do much to keep our families and communities strong while sharing their devotion to those for whom they are providing care.

Caregiving can often have a significant impact on the life of the caregiver in a number of different ways. It can make maintaining their own physical and mental health more difficult. Many are trying to balance work and some sort of social life at the same time they are providing care for a loved one.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, feelings of stress, worry, and isolation may have become familiar to all of us. Isolation has become a bigger issue for the family caregiver. They may curtail their outings and contact with others, due to current Covid concerns, and even more as we are entering the typical flu season.

Despite the current situation, caregiving-as-usual continues. Most family caregivers carry on with their commitment silently. Almost 1 in 10 report they have no one to talk to about private matters and 1 in 5 say they have no one to call for help.

The need for caregivers is expected to continue to grow as the US older adult population increases. Here are some tips for family caregivers:

–Seek support from other caregivers. You are not alone!

–Take care of your own health so that you can be strong enough to take care of your loved one.

–Accept offers of help and suggest specific things people can do to help you.

–Learn how to communicate effectively with doctors.

–Caregiving is hard work so take respite breaks often.

–Watch out for signs of depression and don’t delay getting professional help when you need it.

–Be open to new technologies that can help you care for your loved one.

–Organize medical information so it’s up to date and easy to find.

–Make sure legal documents are in order.

–Give yourself credit for doing the best you can in one of the toughest jobs there is.

What can we do to support a day-to-day family caregiver? Communicate with them and learn what we can do to help. While we may want to visit and help within the home setting, understand that the caregiver may not be comfortable with that offer at this point in time. Forcing the matter may only lead to hard feelings and extra stress for the caregiver.

For more on support of caregivers, contact the Yates Center Southwind Extension District Office at 620-625-8620. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

This fall has been a pretty good one so far weather-wise in my opinion. But it won’t be long and winter will be upon us. Before the bitter cold hits, a couple of lawn tasks still need to be done.
Lawn weeds are probably the last thing on your mind right now. But think back to last spring. Did you have a purple cast to your lawn from henbit or a good crop of dandelions? If so, believe it or not, they were already growing in your lawn last fall!
Cool season broadleaf weeds such as henbit, dandelions and chick weed all germinate in the cool moist periods of September and October. They overwinter as small plants, barely visible unless you get down close to the ground to look. Once warm weather arrives in the spring, the plants grow rapidly and flower.
Fall control is ideal for these cool season broadleaf weeds. The weeds are storing food in their roots and will send a leaf applied herbicide to their roots as well. The herbicides will translocate to the roots and will kill the plants from the roots up. These plants are also small and easily controlled right now.
There are several products on the market that are effective on these fall germinating weeds. Herbicides such as 2,4-D or combination products that contain 2,4-D, MCCP and Dicamba, sold under the trade names of Trimec, Weed-B-Gon, or Weed-Out, can be used. A product called Weed Free Zone is also an option. It contains the three active ingredients mentioned above plus carfentrazone.
Newly planted lawns should not be treated with any herbicide until the new grass seedlings have been mowed two or three times depending on the product. Read and follow label directions closely.
Herbicide drift can be a problem during the spring when warm temperatures prevail along with winds. The cooler fall temperatures and the dormant state of most plants reduce this problem considerably, making it an ideal time for application.
As we enter November, it is also the time to give cool-season lawns the last nitrogen application of the season. Why November? November is a good time because it will really help the grass next spring. As the top growth slows due to the cool temperatures in November, grass plants continue making food (carbohydrates). Carbohydrates that are not used in growth are stored in the crown and other storage tissues in the plant. These reserves help the turfgrass green up earlier in the spring and sustain growth into May without the need for early spring nitrogen application.
How much fertilizer should you apply? One to 1½ pounds of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn area is sufficient. A quick nitrogen carrier such as urea or ammonium sulfate should be used.
Take action now to have a beautiful, weed-free lawn next spring!
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 Jennifer Terrell

4-H Leadership

In the leadership project, youth will learn how to bring out the best in themselves. Youth will learn about the skills it takes to be a leader such as: understanding themselves, communicating, getting along with others, learning, making decisions, plus managing and working with groups. The 4-H Program is a great opportunity for youth to master the skills of being a great leader with their club and community.

There is 4-H Curriculum that can be purchased for anyone interested in leadership project. Here is a breakdown of what youth can learn at different levels:

Ages 7-9

• Determine what is important to you

• Learn how others feel

• Learn how to be responsible

• Learn group cooperation

Ages 10-13

• Participate in a trust walk

• Learn to be accountable and dependable

• Practice teamwork in achieving a goal

• Learn meeting manners

Ages 14-18

• Learn to accept differences in people 

• Accept your own strengths and weaknesses

• Develop and participate in an interview process

• Identify different leadership styles

In addition to the curriculum, youth are also offered the opportunity to attend project meetings held by volunteers. Each year, youth are able to demonstrate their hard work locally at the county fair and depending on age and placing, the Kansas State Fair.

The leadership project is a great opportunity for youth to learn important life skills. For more information about this project, contact Jennifer K. Terrell, 4-H Youth Development for K-State Research and Extension – Southwind District at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

You might be familiar with the acronym CMS, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.  CMS is the federal agency that administers Medicare.  Annually, they revise the parameters for the standard drug Medicare Advantage and Part D plans to account for increased prescription drug costs.  The parameters include the four phases of a Medicare drug plan- deductible, initial coverage phase, coverage gap (or donut hole), and catastrophic coverage.  Depending on what medications a Medicare beneficiary is prescribed will depend on how many phases one might enter, varying the costs of prescriptions through out the year.  

The first phase of a Medicare drug plan is the Deductible Phase, this is the amount one must pay each year for prescriptions before a plan pays its share.  Deductibles vary between plans, the upper limit for 2021 is $435.  Not all plans have a deductible and not all medications are subject to the full drug cost in this phase. 

Once the deductible phase is met, a beneficiary enters the Initial Coverage Phase and pays a copayment or coinsurance for covered drugs.  The amount paid will depend on if it is a generic or brand name, tier classification, and a plan’s drug formulary.  This phase continues until a total of $4,130 (2021) is spent by the beneficiary and the drug plan.   

The Medicare drug Coverage Gap phase (or “donut hole”) was officially closed in 2020, but that doesn’t mean people won’t pay anything.  Entering this phase, a beneficiary will pay a co-insurance of 25% of the full cost of a drug for generic and brand name prescriptions.  The insurance company and drug manufacturers are responsible for the other 75%.  It is important to know if or when and how much you might have to pay for prescriptions during this phase. 

Once $6,550 (2021) has been reached, the beneficiary enters the Catastrophic Coverage phase.  During this phase, copays or coinsurance significantly lower for the for remainder of the year.  Drug costs are now a co-insurance of 5% of the cost for each prescription or $3.60 for generics and $8.95 for brand-name drugs, whichever is greater. The other 95% of the costs are covered by the plan and government.  

Medicare plans keep track of how much money is spent out of pocket for covered drugs and progression through coverage phases and should appear in your monthly statements. 

During Open Enrollment, October 15-December 7, Medicare beneficiaries have the opportunity to review current insurance plans and shop for a new one.  A Senior Health Insurance Counselor (SHICK) can assist you with a personalized drug plan comparison to determine your expected financial costs and if you will enter more than one phase.  If you have questions or would like a one-to-one appointment, contact the Southwind Extension office for a free, confidential, and unbiased session in Fort Scott, Erie, Iola, and Yates Center Southwind Extension offices. 

Follow us on Facebook @southwindextensiondistrict or Instagram @southwind_ext. For more information, contact Joy Miller at [email protected] or by calling 620-223-3720.