Knowledge for Life Newsletter
August 2014
In This Issue
August & September Classes
Packing for College
Back-to-School Tips
The Truth About Hand Sanitizers
Emerald Ash Borer Spreads
Fall Vegetable Gardening
Wheat Variety Disease and Insect Ratings
Free Soil Tests

2014 Extension Classes  

Quick Links...
Director's Corner 
by Dan Lekie, 
County Extension Director
Go Vote

The proposed FY 2015 budget for Johnson County Extension is being finalized by the Board of County Commissioners and is scheduled for adoption Aug. 14. With tightening budgets impacting Extension, your vote in the upcoming Aug. 5 primary matters! Our ability to continue to deliver excellent non-credited educational programming to our customers depends on a strong partnership with elected officials who see the value of Extension's contributions to our dynamic community. Your vote does count, especially in the Tuesday, Aug. 5 primary. You can vote in advance at four convenient locations until noon, Monday, Aug. 4.  

 

So please take a moment to familiarize yourself with your elected officials in your district and then go vote. And, as always, should you have any questions about the budget or Extension please feel free to call me at 913-715-7012.

Lawn or garden questions?

Gardening Hotline 

Call: 913.715.7050

Email: [email protected] 

This service is FREE and available year-round. 

Garden Calendar 150 px 
Find out what to do this month in the lawn and garden.
Video of the Month: 

 Harvesting Fresh Garden Herbs  

Trained Extension Master Food Volunteers will be available to assist with questions about:

  - Food Preservation,

  - Food Preparation,

  - Food Safety, and

  - General Nutrition.

Call: 913.715.7070  

Email:
 [email protected] 
 

This service is FREE and available M-F, 8:30a - 5p.

Join Our Mailing List
Dear Extension Supporter,

August is the peak of summer produce. Backyard gardens and farmers markets are overflowing with vine-ripened produce. What to do with all that fresh, healthy goodness? Preserve the harvest!

Canning skipped a generation. But now millennials want to get into the kitchen and learn cooking basics and canning to preserve nutrition. Canning is a technical science that must be respected. Techniques and recipes your grandmother swore by may no longer be safe. We're offering hands-on classes that will let you capture the taste of summer to enjoy when winter snows blanket the ground.

August is also Back-to-School month. We have tips for managing expenses and keeping your child healthy when they return to the classroom.

Finally, August 5 is the primary election. Please take a moment to read Extension Director Dan Lekie's important message about FY 2015 and the election's impact on Extension.

It's all here in this issue of Knowledge for Life.

Johnson County K-State Research and Extension
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Featured Articles
Packing for College
Heading off to college is an exciting time for young adults. As parents, you make sure they have everything they need to succeed. But knowing the best way to make purchases can ward off disaster for your scholar, and for you. Find out when it's best to use cash, debit or credit.
Tips for Parents: Planning is key to managing back-to-school expenses
The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports families spent between $1,500 and over $3,000 per child for clothing and educational expenses in 2013. Here are some tips to help parents prepare for the new school year.
The Dirty Truth About Hand Sanitizers
With back-to-school just around the corner, elementary classrooms are some of the germiest places on the planet. Many school teachers substitute hand sanitizers for hand washing because it's easier. But are hand sanitizers as effective as hand washing for eliminating microorganisms? Find out the dirty truth here.
Get Paid While Learning How to Shop Healthy
Johnson County K-State Research and Extension food and nutrition expert Crystal Futrell and trained Extension Master Food Volunteers will conduct hour-long tours at local grocery stores throughout the month of August. Participants will learn principles for shopping healthfully while stretching their food dollars. At the end of the tour each participant will receive a $10 gift card to that store. Find out how to sign up.

Emerald Ash Borer Update 

As expected, the dreaded Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is spreading into the metro area. The insect was first identified in the metro in 2012 and in Johnson County in 2013. Earlier this summer adults were found in two monitoring locations in Roeland Park and Shawnee. In mid-July another EAB infected tree was found in the 81st and Switzer area of Overland Park. Based on past movements in eastern US communities, this spread of EAB in Johnson County was expected. Anyone that has an ash tree needs to make a plan for the near future. Extension has updated our webpage with options for dealing with this pest.

Monday, Sept. 15 * 6pm

Emerald Ash Borer Now that Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has been found in Johnson County, what should you do? Learn about the spread of EAB into the area, your treatment options, and about tree removal and replacement. Dennis Patton, Johnson County K-State Research and Extension horticulture expert will speak. The class is free to attend, but advance registration is required. Seating is limited to 30. Register online or call 913-477-7100.

Fall Vegetable Gardening
Not many people realize fall is an excellent time for vegetable gardening. But to reap the rewards in September and October, you have to "sow the seeds" of harvest in August. Check out this list of what and when to plant.
Wheat Variety Disease and Insect Ratings 2014

K-State has just released their 2014 wheat variety disease and inset ratings. This is a good resource to help you make decision for wheat varieties you plan to plant last this fall. A copy of the publication is available on the web here. 


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K-State Research and Extension is committed to making its services, activities, and programs accessible to all participants. If you have special requirements due to a physical, vision, or hearing disability, please contact Johnson County Extension at 913.715.7000. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.