It is hard to believe that the first three months of 2022 are coming to a close. Today I want to focus on things that are happening in the Cottonwood District. Recently our Cottonwood Team met with more than twenty of our Program Development Committee members who help guide our work. At our dinner meeting we asked the question “What makes you STOP and consider attending an event/program?” Answers varied but the common theme was that programs should cover relevant topics that help improve a persons’ life in some way. The challenge in our ever-changing world is when to schedule educational events and whether the event will be held in person or available on-line. While we could not solve all the issues in our 2-hour meeting, we all came away with some great ideas of things to consider. In the months ahead look for our team of agents to try some innovative approaches.
Recent “Fermentation Workshops” held in both Great Bend and Hays attracted many participants who were new to Extension. It was fun to share the information from the fact sheet I wrote last year. Participants came away from the hands-on workshop with a quart of cabbage, which after three weeks, will become a tasty jar of sauerkraut. Learning about the health benefits of including a small amount of fermented food in the diet was a bonus.
Other Cottonwood team members have educational programs planned in their respective program areas. I hope you will take a minute to visit our Cottonwood website and follow the link to our monthly newsletter which contains flyers highlighting these opportunities.
Today I also want to bring you up to date on the three Extension Agent positions currently open in the Cottonwood Extension District. The position announcement/application process for the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Hays office will be posted on May 4th. Applications are due by June 1st and the date for interviews has been set for June 28th. The Family Community Wellness position in the Hays office will be announced later in the summer and the District Horticulture position will follow soon after. If you know of anyone who has the qualifications for these agent positions, plus a heart to serve the public, encourage them to apply. We also have a summer intern position in the Hays office open. We are looking for someone who has completed at least two years of college and would like to learn more about a career in Extension. The position description and application process is on our Cottonwood website.
Let me know how our team members in the Cottonwood Extension District, can best serve your needs!
Donna Krug is the District Director and Family & Consumer Science Agent for K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or [email protected]