As I prepare to retire on February 3rd, I thought I would use my column space to share some of my “favorite” days as an Extension Agent.
· Teaching Stay Strong Stay Healthy to well over 300 older adults during the past 10 years. Folks aged 60-95 have enriched my life as much as I have theirs!
· Sharing my expertise related to fermenting sauerkraut or Kimchi with others in Extension, both in Kansas, Iowa and across the country. I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing the excitement in the 59 fermentation workshop participants in Barton and Ellis Counties.
· Helping Medicare eligible adults review their prescription drug plan during open enrollment for the past 9 years. It is always rewarding when we find a plan that will save someone a significant amount of money.
· Kids Ag Day, always held on Wednesday after Labor Day, is the perfect chance to share with 4th graders from across the county where their food comes from.
· Sharing an Organwise presentation “Healthy from the inside out” with pre-schoolers and 1st graders. Little ones need to be introduced to what is healthy and what is not.
· Teaching “High-speed handwashing” to kids of all ages.
· Watching kids grow up in the 4-H Youth Development program. I have been around long enough that I am meeting the next generation!
· Teaching bicycle safety rules to school-agers and promoting safe bicycling to the entire community.
· Seeing the 10 fact sheets I have written in the past being published and used by Extension colleagues from around the state and shared with FCE members.
· Teaching a sewing workshop for 4-H youth – making pillowcases, back packs, pajama pants or walker bags to learn life skills.
· Collaborating with partners from across our county, through Be Well Barton County or Central Kansas Partnership. “Many hands really do make light work.”
· Developing a positive relationship with the executive board, team members, and YOU throughout my 37- year Extension career.
As you can see it was hard to narrow my favorite days down to a few. It’s been a good run!
Many of you are asking me who the next District Director will be when I retire. The Cottonwood Executive Board will be announcing the next District Director/Community Vitality Agent soon. I know you will provide them with opportunities to experience “favorite” days too.
Happy New Year from the Cottonwood District team!
Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or [email protected] K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider