Warren County 2011 Annual Report

Transcription

1 Warren County 2011 Annual Report University of Missouri Extension Council of Warren County 107 West Walton, Warrenton MO Phone Fax Extension Council Members Dave Reckamp, Chair Beverley Willoughby, Vice Chair Anita Brace, Secretary Helen Duckworth, Treasurer Dan Busch Kathleen Pottebaum Diane Miederhoff Bill Moran Terri Weber George Duckworth Curt Kehoe Hubie Kluesner Teresa Lee Brad Busekrus Wanda Thomas John Caviness Inside this issue: Letter from Vice Provost & Director De. Michael Ouart 2 Serving the Many Faces of Warren County Dear Friends, Warren County is a perfect example of Missouri s diversity. Missouri is part Corn Belt, part Sun Belt, part East and part West. It is agricultural and industrial, and the economy is affected by high-tech and service jobs. Missouri's economy also is greatly affected by tourism (one of the top economic contributors). Warren County has been greatly effected by the current economy. We, as MU Extension strive to assist Warren County residents by providing researchbased information and programming. University of Missouri Extension has the capacity and professional resources to adapt University of Missouri educational programs and resources to very different local needs and aspirations. It has the capacity to deliver appropriate and effective services to localities throughout the state. MU Extension is distinctive because it is distinctively local. Community Leaders and Extension Council members discuss the Plan of Work To expand this potential, University of Missouri Extension will strengthen its capacity to scan continuously the environments in which people live and work. Change in where Missourians live, what they do to make a living, how they gain access to necessary services and their ability to sustain quality of life are changing significantly and rapidly. Monitoring those changes through formal environmental scanning and analysis of data-based trends will show changes affecting the needs and aspirations of the clientele. The role of MU Extension is to continue providing relevant, credible and valued education and resources to the publics of the state. Did you know. 4-H Robotics Program 4-H, Extension Partnerships Nutrition & Health Leadership, MRVA Community Garden Master Gardeners Staff 2011 Budget Report Our Mission The mission of University of Missouri Extension is to: Improve Missourians' lives by addressing their highest priorities through the application of research-based knowledge and resources. As an integral part of the land-grant mission, University of Missouri Extension is a joint venture of: University of Missouri campuses Lincoln University Cooperative Extension The people of Missouri through county extension councils Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Other stakeholders and partners

2 PAGE 2 WARREN COUNTY A Letter From Vice Provost & Director Dr. Michael Ouart VICE PROVOST S OFFICE 108 Whitten Hall Columbia, MO January 2012 PHONE: (573) FAX: (573) Dear County Commissioners and Associated Friends of MU Extension: Efficiency and Innovation are two watchwords of citizens and government in our currently challenging economy. I am pleased to report that University of Missouri Extension has kept these words in the forefront and acted accordingly for the benefit of Missouri residents statewide. Funded through the support of federal, state and county government; grants and contracts; fees for services; and private gifts, MU Extension leverages every dollar received to create expanded educational opportunities. Every dollar provided from counties is leveraged with an additional $6.00 to create a significant return on investment. MU Extension creates value for citizens including those who do not participate directly in its programs. For example: The federal Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program provided $1.6 million to the state of Missouri. These funds provide nutrition education to limited-resource families. Participants who graduate from the program improve the way they manage their food dollars; demonstrate acceptable food safety practices and make healthier food choices. A healthy labor force is critical to attracting and keeping jobs in Missouri. In addition, this important program reduces healthcare costs over the participant s lifetime, saving taxpayers money in reduced public healthcare benefits and insurance premiums has been a difficult year due to natural disasters in Missouri. The MU Extension statewide Community Emergency Management Program and local emergency management groups provided immediate on-site assistance by coordinating with the State Emergency Management Agency, Red Cross and other groups and by providing online resources through web pages and other media. As a result, citizens learned how to avoid scammers, ensure safe drinking water and food, and recover from a disaster. MU Extension's emergency management program helps communities, businesses, schools and residents reduce a community's disaster recovery period. This action saves lives and countless dollars in emergency recovery operations and avoids job loss. Additionally, the whole community builds a greater sense of cohesion. These are just two examples of MU Extension s public value impact. I m sure you will find many other examples in your local community. I want to thank you for your support of MU Extension as a critical team player in your locale. Your ideas for improving our partnership are always welcome. Sincerely, Michael D. Ouart Vice Provost and Director University of Missouri, Lincoln University, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Local Extension Councils Cooperating EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/ADA INSTITUTIONS

3 PAGE 3 Warren County Extension Center is here for YOU... Did you know In 1955, state legislation required counties to establish county extension councils to advise the University of Missouri on educational programs. Today, some 2,000 citizens volunteer their time and effort to assess local educational needs and to work with extension faculty in delivering and evaluating the programs. Appropriations from county commissions provide operating funds for county extension offices and secretarial support. Did you know soil testing is available through our office for $15 per sample. Did you know we can help you identify those pesky little bugs on your plants. Did you know we can help you start a business. Did you know we can proctor tests for your college or online courses if needed. Did you know we can provide assistance with registering your farm with the Missouri Century Farm program. Did you know today, one in five Missouri youths, ages 5 to 19, participate in a 4-H educational program. Did you know that Warren County Extension offers a small conference room along with a large community room for rent to the public. Above: John & Nancy Koelling was presented their Century Farm sign during the annual meeting. Left: One of our robotics program participants works on the computer program to operate a robot she is building. Warren County 4-H Robotics Program Launched In the past many people associated 4-H with agriculture and farm animals. Not any longer. Technology in 4-H is growing by leaps and bounds. This year the Warren County 4-H program launched a robotics program and has opened it up to neighboring counties. There are 19 participants that meet once a month at the extension center. The class uses Lego NXT kits and computer software to build and operate their robots. It really is mind boggling to see what these young people can create with a these kits. They have imaginations out of this world says Dale Davis-4-H Youth Program Assistant. Many of our participants are planning on joining competitions Several of our robotics program participants work on building their first robot. around the area. We are looking forward to acquiring several other robotics kit to allow our 4-H participants to expand their love and creativity for this program. IT REALLY IS MIND BOGGLING TO SEE WHAT THESE YOUNG PEOPLE CAN CREATE WITH A THESE KITS. THEY HAVE IMAGINATIONS OUT OF THIS WORLD

4 PAGE 4 Join the 4-H Revolution of Responsibility Karlee Pelton from Kountry Kids 4-H Club out of Wright City participated in the Missouri 4-H Equine Tour. What is the 4-H Revolution of Responsibility? It s a movement for positive change in every community in America. 4-H youth are a living breathing, culture-changing revolution for doing the right thing, breaking through obstacles and pushing our country forward by making a measurable difference right where they live. That takes uncommon commitment. In Warren County we are pleased to announce the formation of a new club in our county. We now have 218 youth in 8 clubs plus 1 countywide clover kids club. We also have 73 volunteers that help with the 4-H program. One of the outreach efforts of the 4-H program includes special interest and school enrichment activities for teachers in Warren County. These programs provide supplemental curriculum for the classroom that is educationally sound, action-oriented and fun. Embryology-Hatching Chicks in the Classroom is one of our most popular school enrichment programs. In Warren County we had contact with 869 children by sharing the miracle of life as a chick hatched in their classroom. For more information about this program please contact Dale Davis, Youth Development Program Assistant at Extension Partners In 2011 the Warren County Extension Center has partnered with the following organizations: *Lincoln University* Warren County Soil and Water District* Warren County Health Dept.* Warren County Senior Center * St. Charles Community College GED Program * United Way * Wright City Parks & Rec. Dept.* Warren County Farmers Market *Wright City Chamber of Comm.* Warrenton Chamber of Comm. * Wright City School District *MRVA * Local FFA Chapters When you support MU Extension s Stay Strong, Stay Healthy program, participants increase their physical activity. This behavior change leads to reduced risk of falls, heart disease and osteoporosis; decreased stress; and improved weight control and overall quality of life. These health benefits decrease the likelihood of a participant entering a nursing home, which costs on average $24,455 per year in Missouri. The money saved benefits others by providing more discretionary income to keep in circulation within the community Nutrition and Health Highlights The Family Nutrition Education Program has already presented nutrition education programming to over 1,100 elementary school aged students in Warren County during the year. Programming has included the Show Me Nutrition curriculum, and lessons from the Lewis and Clark curriculum. The Food Power program also visited Rebecca Boone Elementary school. The Extension Center is developing a working partnership with the Warren County Health Department to offer fitness programs. During the fall a walking for wellness program was offered. This program was based on the Fitness and Wellness for a Lifetime program. At the end of the walking program participants had an opportunity to enroll in the Stay Strong and Healthy program. In September the Extension Center received a $4,000 grant from the United Way to purchase equipment and supplies for the Stay Strong Stay Healthy program.

5 PAGE 5 In Warren County, we are facing the challenge of an ever-changing world through the development of our leaders. The Warren County Leadership development program, Quest was developed in The purpose of Quest is to promote community leadership by supporting the growth of knowledgeable, skilled leaders committed to supporting exceptional quality of life and positive growth in Warren County. Since Quest was developed in 2008 more than 40 graduates have The Warren County Leadership Program Grow Your Farm is designed for prospective farmers, beginners with some experience and seasoned farmers who want to make a "new beginning" with alternative farming methods. MU Extension specialists and experienced, innovative farmers teach the sessions. Information on production techniques is relatively easy to find and use, but what many landowners need is help to develop the farm as a profitable business. With this in mind, Grow Your Farm is designed to assist you, the producer, in creating and planning your farm as a business. completed this intense 13 session program that looks at every aspect of our community from economic development to education to health care, agriculture and even leisure activities and the arts. In addition to the knowledge that Quest graduates have gained through the program, they have successfully initiated multiple community projects that have supported our community. Adding Value to Warren County The Missouri Rhine Valley Association was formed to bring together artisans, food producers, hospitality and tourism, local governments, retailers who carry local products, and wineries/ vineyards, and other entrepreneurs in the MRVA region. The region consists of the Missouri Counties of Warren, Montgomery, Gasconade, Franklin, and St. Charles. Community Garden & Master Gardeners Quest participants tour various business located in Warren County When you support MU Extension s Value Added Agriculture program, participants are able to form producer-owned businesses, which allows them to create something new or compete in an existing agricultural sector business. Producers then enjoy increased commodity prices, and other community members benefit from an increased flow of money in the community. The Master Gardener Program of Warren County continues to be strong. The Master Gardener volunteer hours consisted of projects such as preparing and teaching new Master Gardening classes, maintaining the grounds at the Schowengerdt House, and answering simple questions by neighbors and friends. This year the Master Gardeners helped local residents by providing a location for a community garden. Master Gardeners were on site at the raised bed gardens a minimum of once a week to assist local resident gardeners with any questions or problems they may have while attending to their own gardening plot. A variety of flowers vegetables grown in the community garden in cooperation of the local Master Gardener group

6 Shelley Rowe Chris Merritt Dale Davis Tosha Mudd Marsha Parsons Faculty & Staff Serving Warren County Shelley Bush Rowe, CPD/Community Development Specialist Chris Merritt, Nutrition & Health Education Specialist Dale Davis, 4-H Youth Program Assistant Tosha Mudd, Nutrition Program Associate Marsha Parsons, Secretary/Bookkeeper Faculty in a number of specialty areas also serve Warren County as needed or requested include: Lynette Watson, Business Development Rich Hoormann, Agronomy Charlie Ellis, Agriculture Engineer Wayne Shannon, Livestock Rhonda Shafer, 4-H Youth Development Nathan Brandt, Horticulture Warren County Budget 2011 Funding for University of Missouri Extension of Warren County Extension funding is a three way partnership of federal, state and local governments. Federal and state money, through the University of Missouri, pay professional staff salaries, benefits, training costs, and part of the communication equipment used in the local office. Local funds provide for operation of the Extension Center, 50% of 4-H Assistant salary, secretarial salaries, and mileage for staff, telephone, supplies and council costs County Appropriations was: $46, Expenses Wages/benefits $38, Travel $2, Telephone Service $1, Supplies/Services $1, Utilities $3, Other Contract Services $2, Insurance $ Total Expenses $50, * Balance Transfers of $ were made from other funds to meet the defict.