It’s hard to believe that another year of being an extension agent has flown by! July 25 marks my 2nd anniversary as an extension agent. I just finished up my second year at the Ellis County Fair as well. Thank goodness for wonderful weather as it was another enjoyable week at the fairgrounds.
This year I got to help judge a couple of classes, which was quite an honor. I got to help Neil Younger, Ellis County Commissioner, judge the Special Class which was “Anything Noodles”. We had several entries but the winner went to, Dustin Rajewski, who made a tasty cold pasta salad based off of a Philly cheesesteak sandwich. I also assisted Seamus Holmes, Eagle Scout, who judged the open class scouting division. With a small number of entries, it was a difficult decision! I encourage more scouts to enter their merit badge projects, pinewood derby cars, or collections in the fair.
I also want to send a big thank you to all adults and youth who entered our King Arthur muffin class. We had a nice number of entries. Next year the King Arthur class will be “Yeast Breads”.
My favorite part of the 2024 fair was getting to watch the 4-H Champion Fitting and Showing Contest. I had never seen this competition before but WOW! These kids are amazing. I can’t believe the confidence and joy they have in working with the animals. I was brought to tears when the winners were announced. The junior winners were brothers so they hugged each other. Then two of their sisters won intermediate and finally one of their older sisters won the senior division. Almost the whole family was out there hugging and congratulating each other. It was heartwarming to see the support and love for each other.
One of the highlights of my second year was the Stay Strong, Stay Healthy Level 2 class held at the beginning of 2024. Stay Strong, Stay Healthy is a strength training class for older adults that helps them with balance, strength and flexibility. I had ten women enroll who were also previous Level 1 participants. They all finished! Now that is perseverance! Yes, life happens and throws us curveballs. Some participants had to miss a few classes, but they all finished. Not only did they all finish, but they continued to meet and do the exercises on their own! We had so much fun during the class and I’m so thankful for these ladies that have enriched my life and taught me so much. Another class will begin in early August.
I also brought two other K-State Research and Extension signature programs to the Cottonwood District this year. I have to say Walk with Ease has been my favorite program to offer. Walk with Ease is a program designed to help people with arthritis develop a walking routine. We partnered with Hays Rec to offer this program. Dining with Diabetes was the other new program offered this year. Thanks again to Hays Rec for partnering with us to provide an education and demonstration class to people with diabetes. We plan to continue these programs as time and need allow.
Since my background is in early childhood, I really enjoy supporting child cares in our community as well as programming in libraries and schools. Glo-germ handwashing, blender bike, story walks and organwise are a few of the programs I have to offer for the youth.
Goals for next year include offering Hypertension Awareness Prevention Program (look for that in February 2025) and to increase Maternal Child Health services in Ellis County. Several community partners plan on offering Becoming a Mom prenatal education classes in 2025 to create a circle of support for all families expecting a baby within their peers and with the services available to them in Ellis County. Mental health programs continue to be important in our community. I recently became certified in QPR (Question, Persuade and Refer) which is a suicide prevention program and plan to offer those trainings as well.
Thank you, for another wonderful year! If you have any questions about current or future programming, please feel free to give me a call, send an email, or stop by the office!
Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or [email protected]. K-State Research & Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.