Archive By Section - Local Life
Among family treasures, it’s the ties that bind
Your children eventually reach the age when you can entrust them with family heirlooms. For daughters, that is around 22. For sons, it's 45. When it arrives, daughters get jewelry, place settings and quilts. Boys? Cigar boxes, pocket knives and money clips. But last week I went out on a limb and decided it was time to give son Tommy something I truly valued. And while I deliver the punch line, refrain from that sip of coffee. Because I gave him some of my neckties.
It’s time to take action against radon
What gas is odorless, colorless, and tasteless, but is cited as the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers? If you guessed radon you are absolutely right. Since January is Radon Action Awareness Month it is the perfect time to bring you up to date on this important topic.
Start 2013 with an action plan for healthy living
A long and healthy life doesn't just happen. Everyday choices influence your quality of life. From healthy food choices, becoming more physically active, to working to improve a bad habit or behavior, there are many strategies to try. I will be presenting "Action Plan for Healthy Living" twice next week, sharing 15 lifestyle strategies for you to try.
RSVP Column
Thanks to all the people that donated their time and efforts to making lap robes and caps for the Fort Dodge Christmas Project. The Ladies Auxiliary for American Legion Argonne Post 180 collected donations and presents that were delivered to the residents of the facility all of whom served in some branch of the military. Among the presents delivered were 75 lap robes and 50 adult winter caps made by RSVP volunteers and other volunteers ...
Me, organized? Let me think about it...
In two weeks, the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) will hold their annual meeting in New Orleans. I am not invited. Neither will I be participating in their 9th annual Get Organized Month, which is designed to "focus national attention on how getting organized empowers people to take back control over their time, inboxes, paperwork and possessions."
Despite winter, its time to think gardening
With temperatures hovering into the teens it is hard to envision the subject I want to talk about today; that is gardening. Yes, you heard me right. There are actually two applications I want to share information with you about so that we can put our sights on warmer weather activities.
Holiday spirit
There is nothing like watching the Sunday School children's Christmas program to get you in the spirit of the season. Our four year old granddaughter, Calyn, took her part seriously as Mary in the manger scene. The message and songs of the evening reminded us that it is not the expensive gifts, but rather time spent together that makes the holidays special. Make sure that your holiday traditions exemplify your values. Time spent playing board ...
Wetland Explorer
People who feed birds often curse them, but for viewing fun, you can't beat a fox squirrel. With tree branches stripped of leaves, these furry aerialists' antics are easily viewed from the comfort of your home during the winter season.
Let’s have peace on earth for Christmas
Santa – It's time for my annual letter, and this year Santa I don't want much. Maybe its cliché to wish others 'peace on earth and good will to men,' but that's my request. Work your magic and give us 24 hours of no violence, shootings, no hate, no war, and all peace, smiles, laughter and hugs all around the world. Let's start here in Kansas City, and then move to the Middle East, Afghanistan, ...
Children stepping up to help others
Heartwarming stories about people thinking of others at holiday time are surfacing in the news. Today I want to share a story about some thoughtful youngsters who are at work right in our own community. Earlier this fall I met with Cindy Warner, with the Great Bend Recreation Commission, to plan some basic sewing skills classes. The first project was to teach class participants how to construct a pillow or quilt from T-shirts. Our project ...
Five Steps to Extend the Life of Your Holiday Trees and Plants, Enhance Your Indoor Décor and Reduce
The holidays can be a wonderful, yet stressful time. Reduce stress and enhance your families' enjoyment this season by increasing the benefits of holiday décor and gifts and by taking a few shortcuts to properly care for holiday trees and plants.
The Christmas Tree: the year fake beat out real
Someone famously said that Christmas comes in four phases. First you believe in Santa, then you don't, next you become Santa, and then you look like Santa. But enough about me.
2012 Extension Appreciation Award
Each year the Executive Board selects someone who has dedicated a significant amount of time to Extension educational programs in Barton County to receive the Extension Appreciation Award. This year the honoree named was Karen Kramp from Ellinwood.
Dear Santa, I have just a few wishes for the coming year
It's that time again. My wish list for the coming year. I want just a couple of things, Santa.
Military News
Ian J. Watkins was recently commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force after completing officer training school at Montgomery Air Force Base, Alabama. He has been assigned as a Combat Systems Officer and is now stationed at Pensacola Naval Air Station where he is undergoing flight, weapons and aircraft system specific training. Ian is the son of Chief Master Sergeant, USAF, Kemper S. and Melissa Watkins of Denver, Colo., and the ...
Articles by Section - Local Life
Leave it to a mother to connect the dots, and in record time
Last week's Wall Street Journal featured a story about over-sharing - asking, "What triggers people to reveal too much?"
Hekele graduates from basic training
Army Reserve Spec. Tiffany J. Hekele has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.
4-H shooters place 2nd at state
The Barton County team of Ryan Kohman, Parker Smith, Katelyn Reh and Lake Lyman placed 2nd in the state at the recent State 4-H Air Rifle Competition. The 4-H Shooting Sports Program uses the skills and disciplines of shooting to assist young people and their leaders to attain knowledge and develop essential life skills.
Timothy and Amy Frieb give back to local community through Fontanelle Hybrids FOCUS Grant
Timothy and Amy Frieb recently presented the Hoisington Boy Scout/Cub Scout Troop 7130 with a $2,500 FOCUS grant through Fontanelle Hybrids.
Lots to Celebrate in May
Happy Mother's Day to all of the moms out there! The month of May has arrived and that means a frenzy of activity for families who are celebrating Mother's day today and graduations now or in the weeks ahead. I am truly blessed to have my mother-in-law, daughter, and granddaughters close by. It is a joy to spend time together at a moment's notice. Hopefully your weekend plans include some good family time with plenty of hugs.
“Celebrate Wheat” Quilt Block Challenge announced
The theme for the 2013 Barton County Fair quilt block challenge is "Celebrate Wheat." Coordinated by members of the Central Kansas Thread Benders quilt guild, the contest is open to anyone who sews. Kits are available for pick up for $3 at the Barton County Extension Office, 1800 12th Street in Great Bend. Each kit contains two fat eighths of fabric. Each of these fabrics must be used in the final block as well as ...
Page 1 of 1
