Fall is the best time to bring in your garden tools and clean them up after a busy season of work. A few extra minutes now may mean a longer life for your favorite tools. Watch this video for information on how to preserve your tools.
Category: November 2020
Teen Babysitting Resources
Visit the K-State Research and Extension website, https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/families/suddenly-in-charge/, to find helpful resources to support tweens and teens with roles taking care of younger children. The 
Suddenly in Charge effort was developed during the pandemic when families have been forced to make quick adjustments to routines. The resources focus on safety, activities, food, and more. They are valuable for a pre-planned or last-minute-planned babysitting experience. In addition to the website, there is an e-mail subscription available for regular updates and tips.
Identity Theft
Kansas is seeing an increase in reports or unemployment claim fraud due to identity theft.
Fraudulent claims are being filed using the names and personal information of people who have not lost their jobs. People are often unaware a claim has been made on their behalf until they receive a determination notice in the mail or until their employer receives a notice to verify the employee’s status.
If you suspect a claim has been improperly filed using your identity or your employees’ identity, please contact the Kansas Department of Labor. They will investigate your claim, suspend the fraudulent account if suspicious activity is found and refer the matter over to law enforcement for action. It is recommended to follow these steps:
Notify all three major credit reporting bureaus, Equifax, TransUnion & Experian and request a “fraud alert” on your credit report.- Contact your banks and credit card companies. Follow their advice as to whether you should close your account.
- Contact the Social Security Administration. Order a copy of your Personal Earnings and Benefits Estimate Statement in order to check the accuracy of your work history on file with the SSA.
- Notify the Internal Revenue Service. Request a copy of your Wage and Income Transcript from the IRS.
- Go to ftc.gov to file a report with the Federal Trade Commission.
By: Brenda Langdon
Experience the World from a Child’s Point-of-View
If you are feeling a bit overwhelmed with the environment around you, experiencing the world from a child’s point-of-view may be the breath of fresh air you need to rejuvenate. Plus, engaging with a child from his or her perspec
tive builds one’s self-concept, supports a strong relationship, and enhances learning. Enjoy!
1) Bend down to their height
2) Follow their lead
3) Use all 5 senses
4) Encourage curiosity and imagination
5) Model patience by not rushing
Donating Safe and Nutritious Food
The holidays are a great time to donate food to food banks, food drives, and soup kitchens. Make the most out of your donations by following these guidelines.
- Donate foods that would fill a healthy and safe plate for the consumer, based on MyPlate recommendations.
- Cash donations are useful as pantries can generally buy food in bulk for a lower price. Also, they can buy the items most needed by their clients.
- Do not donate repackaged, expired, or damaged food.
- Donate water packed, “Low-Sodium”, or “No Salt Added” vegetables and fruit packed in “100% juice”.
- Donate 100% whole grains. Whole-wheat pasta, barley, brown rice, and wild rice are complex carbohydrates which are more satiating and filling.
- Reach out to your local food bank to inquire what items are most needed.
For more information, please view the Donating Safe and Nutritious Food to Food Pantries and Soup Kitchens, Fact Sheet or Feeding American Healthy Food Drive Donation List.
By: Ashley Svaty
K-State Garden Hour
K-State Research and Extension is hosting a monthly webinar for gardeners. The K-State Garden Hour is held the first Wednesday of each month. On November 4th the topic will be trees
and shrubs for pollinators. Then on December 2nd I will be presenting a program on Holiday Plants! Make sure to register using the link below.
By: Cassie Homan
November Fruit Tree Care
If you have newly planted fruit trees they need a little extra maintenance this time of year. Rabbits may begin to nibble on newly planted trees and shrubs through the winter. Protect your investment with at least 2-foot-tall cylinders of 1-inch-mesh, chicken wire, or similar barrier. Other control methods inclu
de plastic tree wraps and liquid rabbit repellents sprayed on the plants. Repellents will need to be reapplied each time it rains. It’s also a good idea to pick up fallen fruit in the fall. This will prevent diseases from overwintering and fungal spores will be destroyed.
By: Cassie Homan
