Amanda Clasen- Community Vitality Agent    

September 2025

When life’s challenges hit, whether it’s a sudden storm, an economic downturn, or a personal crisis, it is often our neighbors who step in first. Communities that thrive are not the ones without challenges, but the ones where people know how to come together, share resources, and lean on one another.

One of my favorite resources in the community vitality field is 13 Ways to Kill Your Community by Doug Griffiths. The book ties in perfectly here, as many of the “don’ts” he outlines demonstrate how quickly resilience can erode when people stop investing in one another. Griffiths reminds us that communities often weaken not because of external pressures, but because of internal choices: apathy, disconnection, or a lack of support. The opposite is also true: communities thrive when people choose to engage, invest, and care. True resilience is built when neighbors prioritize connection over isolation and cooperation over competition.

Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back after hard times; it’s about bouncing forward. Each challenge provides an opportunity for communities to adapt, learn, and grow stronger.

We’ve seen examples of this in action right here at home. When severe weather leaves families without power, neighbors check in on one another, offering meals, generators, or even a warm place to stay. During tough economic times, communities rally behind local businesses, hosting shop-local campaigns and finding creative ways to keep doors open. And when personal hardships strike, it’s often the casserole delivered to the doorstep, the shared ride to work, or the donation jar at the local café that makes all the difference.

Building resilient communities doesn’t happen by accident. It starts with simple, everyday actions:

• Know your neighbors. A quick introduction today can become a lifeline tomorrow. Make sure to take time to introduce yourself and get to know the people who live around you!
• Share skills and resources. From tools to talents, what we lend each other builds a safety net. This might just be as simple as organizing a “Skill-Swap Night” to learn who is best at gardening, cooking, or fixing that broken backdoor!
• Support local organizations and businesses. This is as simple as it sounds! Make sure to shop at local neighborhood stores or farmers’ Markets! Schools, churches, nonprofits, and civic groups are often the backbone of coordinated response.
• Plan ahead together. Community preparedness events or neighborhood emergency plans ensure everyone is ready when the unexpected happens. Create a neighborhood contact list or emergency plan!

Resilience grows when individuals shift from “me” to “we.” Each act of kindness and cooperation creates stronger ties, making it easier to withstand whatever challenges come our way. In the end, resilient communities remind us that while we may not be able to control the storms of life, we can control how we weather them together. A strong community is not built in a day; they are built every day!

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

October 7^th & 14^th

Join us for The Empowered Caregiver series, an education program by the Alzheimer’s Association that teaches caregivers how to navigate the responsibilities of caring for someone living with dementia.  This program features five topics, including building foundations of caregiving, supporting independence, communicating effectively, responding to dementia-related behaviors, and exploring care and support services.  As part of the program, you will receive activities to apply person-centered care approaches to your own caregiving journey.

Join us Tuesdays, October 7^th & 14^th, at 6:00 pm, at the K-State Extension meeting room, 1006 N. State Street, Iola.  A meal will be provided. Please call 620-244-3826 to RSVP.

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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.

As we continue to engage in outdoor activities as the weather cools and hunting season begins, it’s important to protect yourself from tick bites. The Lone Star tick has been linked to causing the Alpha-Gal allergy in individuals who eat red meat. Symptoms include rash, hives, difficulty breathing, drop in blood pressure, dizziness, fainting, nausea, and severe stomach pain. These symptoms can occur in 3-8 hours after eating red meat. Seek medical attention if this occurs.

The Lone Star tick is a vector that can spread disease. The Alpha-Gal molecule is carried in the saliva of Lone Star ticks. People bitten by this tick can become sensitive and produce the immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody. Unlike typical food allergies, which are a reaction to protein, this is a reaction to the carbohydrate galactose-α-1,3-galactose. This carbohydrate is found in most mammals, such as those found in red meat. It can also be in products made from mammals. It is not found in poultry or fish.

As to the number of Kansans affected by Alpha-Gal Syndrome, there are no accurate reporting systems in place, so to get a general idea, Kansas State University asked 144 Extension professionals how many had heard of AGS or knew people affected by it, and the majority of agents who had heard of AGS or that knew those affected by it – were in southeast Kansas. This should not come as a surprise to those of us living in southeast Kansas, as many of us could most likely name at least five people with AGS. A few agents in northwest Kansas had not even heard of Alpha-Gal. Overall, 86% had heard of AGS, 84% knew AGS is related to tick bites, 61% thought there is not enough information about AGS for the public, and 31% were not sure.

Nutrition considerations for people living with AGS include treating it like any other allergy by avoiding foods that trigger symptoms, avoiding cross-contamination, and reading nutrition labels.

Foods that may trigger AGS symptoms include meat such as beef, pork, lamb, deer, organ meat like kidney, heart, liver, muscle tissue, animal fat (lard and tallow), dairy products, gelatin, carrageenan, and cross-contamination.

If making jam and jelly, please note that commercial pectin is not made with any gelatin or other meat ingredients. Commercial pectin is made from citrus fruit peel or apple pomace. It also usually contains dextrose and citric acid. Always read package labels.

To ensure that you are getting enough nutrients, consider for protein and iron: lentils, chickpeas, black beans, kidney beans, tofu, spinach, quinoa, pumpkin seeds, and fortified cereals; and for calcium, Vitamin D, and Vitamin B12: fortified plant milks, cereals, and nutritional yeast.

It’s important to take precautions to avoid tick bites, which may lead to AGS, but if you do have this allergy, there are local support groups. More businesses are becoming aware of this allergy, as noted recently in southeast Kansas, where there is a local food truck that advertises its AGS-friendly menu items. For more information on Alpha-Gal Syndrome, reach out to Sandy Haggard, Nutrition, Food Safety, and Health Agent, Southwind Extension District, [email protected] or 620.365.2242.

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Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and

Cooperative Extension Service

As the summer sun fades and the crisp air of autumn approaches, it’s time for one
of the most exciting (and sometimes hectic) times of the year: Back-to-School. Whether
you’re a student stepping into a new grade, a parent preparing for the morning rush, or a
teacher welcoming fresh faces, this season marks a new chapter full of opportunities,
growth, and fresh routines.
Returning to school isn’t just about shopping for supplies—it’s about preparing
mentally and emotionally for the months ahead. Setting clear goals early can make the
transition smoother. Students can jot down three key things they want to achieve, while
parents can plan supportive routines to help kids stay on track.
Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
Instead of trying to get everything perfect from the start, view the school year as a journey
focused on improvement. Celebrate small victories—such as completing a difficult
homework assignment, answering a question in class, or making a new friend—these
successes help build confidence over time. Mistakes are also part of learning, and each
challenge is a chance to grow. Celebrate small wins—finishing a tough homework
assignment, answering a question in class, or making a new friend—as they build skills
over time.
The start of a school year is also a chance to create new friendships and strengthen
old ones. Encourage open communication, inclusivity, and kindness—it goes a long way in
creating a positive school environment. A great question starter for the new school year is,
“What are you looking forward to in the new school year”?
For Parents and Guardians
Your role in the back-to-school journey is vital. Create a family calendar to track
assignments, projects, and activities. Stay engaged with your child’s teachers and check in
regularly—not just when problems arise.
Back-to-school season is a reset button—a time to embrace new challenges,
explore possibilities, and grow. With the right preparation, a touch of organization, and a
positive mindset, the 2025 school year can be the most rewarding yet.
Kendal Henson is a Kansas State Extension 4-H & Youth Development agent assigned
to the Southwind District. He may be reached at [email protected] or 620-625-8620.
Kansas State Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

It’s not summer without kid’s games at the local county fair!  My four-year-old excitedly participated in the pig contest.  When his attempts to catch the animal failed, he wailed!  Are you like me as a parent, and try to make a tantrum stop?

Researchers at Berkeley University’s Greater Good Science Center have studied the meltdowns that can be frequent occurrences when children (and their parents) are frustrated and stressed.  The science behind tantrums tells us they aren’t breakdowns of behavior—they’re breakthroughs of communication.

Understanding what’s really happening during meltdowns can help us respond to our children in a way that supports them… and makes things easier for us, too!

Root Causes of Tantrums

Tantrums aren’t defiance—they’re a child’s way of expressing unmet needs. They often stem from:

• Frustration with independence: Kids get upset when they can’t complete tasks just beyond their ability.
• Limits and authority: Toddlers react strongly to boundaries, which may feel unfair to them.
• Sharing and social struggles: Young children lack the development to truly share, leading to meltdowns.
• Unmet basic needs: Hunger, tiredness, or lack of connection can quickly trigger tantrums.

Understanding these root causes helps reduce tantrum frequency and improves communication.

Is there a better way to respond to tantrums?

1. Stay Regulated yourself. Practice an exercise such as a breathing technique.  Reframe your mindset by stating ‘This isn’t personal, my child is dysregulated’.  This does not excuse difficult behavior but helps us respond with understanding rather than a surge of frustration ourselves.

2. Don’t punish, but don’t give in. Avoid dismissing your child’s emotions or punishing them during a tantrum. They’re not being defiant—they’re overwhelmed and need your help to calm down. Stay calm yourself; reacting with anger only escalates things and puts unfair pressure on your child to manage your emotions too.

3. Validate your child’s experience.
   After a tantrum, wait until your child is truly calm before talking. Use the Validation Ladder:

Be present: Give full attention, no distractions.

Reflect: “You felt angry when we left the playground?”  This tells your child their feelings matter.

Contextualize: “You were excited to play, so it makes sense you’re upset.”

Propose: Try digging a little deeper.  “Maybe you’re also worried we won’t come back soon?”

Empathize: “That sounds really disappointing.”  Be sure your voice tells you really mean what you are saying.

Take Action:  Think about what you could do differently.  “Next time, I’ll give a 5-minute warning.”

Validation helps kids feel understood—not indulged—and reduces future meltdowns.

4. Build support over time.
   As kids grow, they can express how they want support. Use calm moments to reflect patterns or offer choices: “Do you want me close or to give space when you’re upset?”

5. Stay curious.
   Look beyond behavior to understand the need or emotion driving it.

Parenting is not easy and it’s probably the most important job you can have.  I hope to navigate it well by continually learning.  For more information contact Tara Solomon-Smith, [email protected], 620-244-3826.

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Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

Back-to-school season seems to arrive faster each year, and with inflation affecting everything from pencils to backpacks, families are finding creative ways to shop smarter. While big-box stores may seem like the go-to for deals, shopping locally can be just as cost-effective and even more rewarding. Local businesses not only offer unique products and personalized service, but they also invest in your community. For every $100 spent at a locally owned store, about $68 stays within the community, supporting essential services and local programs.

As you prepare your student for the school year ahead, here are some practical ways to cut costs and support your hometown:

1. Shop Local First
   Small businesses often have lower overhead and more flexibility, which allows them to offer competitive prices or even negotiate with loyal customers. Many local shops carry school supplies, clothing, and backpacks, and they often have sales or consignment options that rival national retailers. Plus, you’re supporting the businesses that sponsor school programs, youth sports teams, and community events.
2. Take Inventory
   Before hitting the stores, check your home for leftover supplies from last year. Items like scissors, rulers, and even colored pencils might still be in great shape. Don’t feel pressured to buy everything new; reuse where you can.
3. Set a Realistic Budget and Watch for Sales!
   Establish your spending limit before you shop and leave some wiggle room for unexpected expenses, like school events or mid-year supply restocks. Be sure to include clothing, technology, lunch containers, and activity fees in your planning. Back-to-school sales start early, but you may find even better deals after school begins. Stock up on items you’ll need later in the year when prices drop. Some stores also match competitors’ prices, which can save time and gas money.
4. Plan Ahead for Next Year
   Back-to-school shopping is an annual expense—so start preparing early. Take the amount you spent this year, divide it by 12, and save that amount each month. Set up a dedicated savings account or create a labeled envelope to make it automatic and stress-free.

Beyond the savings, shopping locally has a long-term impact. Sales tax from local purchases funds critical services like police, fire departments, and road maintenance. Local businesses often stock unique, one-of-a-kind products and offer exceptional customer service rooted in personal relationships. They’re more likely to adjust inventory based on your needs and support community initiatives that enhance our schools and neighborhoods.

Your dollars matter—and when spent locally, they do double the good. This school year, think beyond the price tag. Support local. Save smart. Strengthen your community. For more information, contact Community Vitality Agent Amanda Clasen at any Southwind District office or [email protected].

As we get to the middle of July, it is county fair time. The Bourbon County fair closed
their Fair-y Tale County fair on Saturday, July 19, but Woodson County starts the
Barn in the USA County Fair on Friday, July 18th. Come out and catch all the
wonders of the county fair, from the beef cattle or dairy cattle -to the watermelon
feed and free breakfast on Sunday, July 20th.
At Neosho County’s Boots and Bling: it’s a Mardi Gras Thing; Families can watch Ty
Ellis and the Flatliners band on Saturday, July 26th at 8 pm or come try their luck at
the Horseshoe Tournament on Sunday, July 27th at 10 am. Each time you visit Friday,
July 25th and Saturday, July 26th, bring a canned food item to contribute to the
canned food drive, a community effort led by Neosho County 4-H Clubs in
partnership with the Farm Bureau.
Next, hop on over to Allen County’s Tropical “Fair”adise. You can come see all the
baby animals in the Baby Barnyard, open from 8 am to 10 pm Thursday, July 24th to
Friday, July 25th. Come out and support the 4-H youth exhibitors and their projects.
From Barn in the USA, Boots and Bling to a Tropical “Fair”adise or to a County FAIR-
y Tale: You can catch all the wonders from a livestock show to grand champion art
works. Come out and make memories.

Family Gatherings: At home safe food handling

One of the food safety steps that is often the most forgotten at outdoor picnics is also one of the most simple. Kansas State University food scientist Karen Blakeslee said while home cooks and
BBQ aficionados often remember to cook foods to the required internal temperature and store food appropriately, they sometimes derail their party by not washing their hands.

“When packing for picnics,” said Blakeslee, who also is coordinator of K-State’s Rapid Response Center for food science, “use a bottle of water and add soap so it is ready to use. Another idea is to take wet washcloths with soap to wash your hands.”

Hand wipes or hand sanitizer is best used after washing hands to remove visible dirt, she added. Hands may need to be washed several times during the prep and cooking stages, especially after
handling raw foods.

Washing hands is one of the four core food safety steps of clean, separate, cook and chill. Here are some other tips:

*Plan ahead. Bring such items as a food thermometer, cooler chest with ice, clean utensils, storage containers for leftovers, disposable dinnerware, paper towels and trash bags.

*Thaw food in the refrigerator or cook from the frozen state. Don’t thaw meat on the counter overnight or outside in the sun. Don’t partially cook meat and poultry ahead of time.

*Wash hands when you arrive at the picnic site. Don’t handle food until you’ve cleaned up. If running water is not available, use the supplies you’ve brought with you before and after touching food.

*Don’t leave food out in the sun. At the picnic, keep the cooler in the shade. Serve food quickly from the cooler and then return it soon afterward. In weather above 90 degrees F, food shouldn’t sit out of the cooler for more than an hour. Consider separate coolers for cold foods and hot foods.

Outdoor picnics are fun events, but handling food safely helps keep the fun in the event, too. Keep cold foods cold – below 40 F – by using ice or ice packs, for example. Keep hot foods hot – above 140 F – by grilling and eating immediately, or using insulated carriers to keep food hot. Use a separate cooler for beverages on ice.

Another tip is to pack a food thermometer to check cold and hot foods often for safety.

The recommended internal temperature to assure the safety of common foods include:

Steaks, chops – 145 F.
Ground meat – 160 F.
All poultry – 165 F.

Enjoy your family gatherings and keep these safe food handling tips in mind for the health of your family members.

For further information on food safety practices such as for the National Restaurant Association Nationally Accredited ServSafe Food Handler Certification, please contact Sandy Haggard, Nutrition, Food Safety, and Health Agent, Southwind District, [email protected] or 620.365.2242.