K-State Research and Extension

search

Category: January 2018

Brainy Babies – Winter Program Offerings

Posted on by Marci Metz

Brainy Babies in an interactive child + parent story hour for children birth through age 3. Through playful learning activities, each child and adult will grow and learn together. The interactive series encourages and stimulates learning while enhancing the relationship between adult and child. Brainy Babies programs are scheduled to take place at the Public Libraries in Kensington and Mankato this winter. The Post Rock District is also involved with the Sprouts 0-3 program at the Osborne Public Library. For complete details about Brainy Babies visit http://www.postrock.k-state.edu/events/.

Mankato Public Library
Tuesdays: January 9, 16, 23 & 30
5:15-6:00PM

Kensington Community Library
3rd Monday: January 15, February 19 & March 19
5:15-6:00PM

By:  Nora Rhoades

THRIVE – Beloit & Osborne

Posted on by Marci Metz

Make your 2018 resolutions a reality!

Join us in Beloit and Osborne to participate in an interactive self-care program that will help you meet your personal goals! Throughout the 3-week “lunch and learn” series, participants will explore strategies to embrace each day and practice habits that will help you get the most out of each stage in life! Topics we will be focusing on include:

  • Action Plan for Healthy Living
  • Know Your Health Numbers
  • Stress Management

The program is free and participants are encouraged to bring their own lunch while they learn! Complete details are posted at http://www.postrock.k-state.edu/events/.

BELOIT
Municipal Building, Trail Room
12:10-12:45PM
Fridays — January 12, 19, 26

OSBORNE
Public Library
12:10-12:45PM
Mondays — January 22, 29, February 5

By:  Nora Rhoades

Better Trains for Babies

Posted on by Marci Metz

Train-the-Trainer Experience for Early Childhood Professionals

February 6th & 7th

Osborne, Kansas

Complete details at www.postrock.ksu.edu

Register by January 18th!

The mission of the Better Brains for Babies initiative is to improve the potential of young children by promoting the use of early brain development research in everyday life experiences. Better Brains for Babies is a collaboration of national, state and local, public and private organizations dedicated to promoting awareness and education about the importance of early brain development in the healthy growth and development of infants and young children. The initiative began in Georgia, and has become available to Kansas professionals through a partnership between University of Georgia Extension and K-State Research and Extension.

Train-the-trainer participants will learn about brain development, adult-child interactions, toxic stress, and other elements of young child development. After completing the training, attendees will be eligible to disseminate information on early brain development throughout their communities. The Better Brains for Babies curriculum is a tool which provides a clear and consistent science-based message about the impact of early brain development on children’s overall growth and development.

To learn more, visit www.bbbgeorgia.org.

By:  Nora Rhoades

Stay Strong, Stay Healthy is coming to Beloit and Jewell

Posted on by Marci Metz

This eight-week program can help you get started on the road to better health.  The Stay Strong, Stay Healthy program is built on simple, strength-building Exercises that will improve balance, health and state of mind.  It’s not difficult or complicated, you will start at a level that’s right for you. No one is too inactive to participate. Building strength promotes quality of life and independence, especially for adults over 50.  All equipment is provided.

Stay Strong, Stay Healthy Sessions will be held at the following two locations beginning February 21st through April 23rd.

Jewell Christian Church
Mondays & Wednesdays
9:00 – 10:00 a.m.

NCK Wellness Center
Monday & Wednesday
1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

Cost for 16 sessions is $20. No class will be held on March 26th or April 4.

Please call (785) 738-3597 for more information or to register before February 16th.

By:  Ashley Svaty

Protecting Your Plants from Winter Hazards

Posted on by Marci Metz

We have been lucky this year with beautiful fall days and above normal temperatures. However, the forecast for the next few weeks shows temperatures dropping and we could possibly be facing snow or ice.

When picking an ice melt it is important to know what you are applying, because they are not created equally.

To learn more about the most common ice melts visit:

http://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news/stories/2017/12/winter-deicing-landscapes.html

By: Cassie Homan

Safe Winter Driving

Posted on by Marci Metz

Safe drivers know the weather and their limits. Follow these safe driving tips when hazardous weather is in the forecast.

Find out about driving conditions before you go. Be aware of the latest weather conditions by visiting kandrive.org. Call 5-1-1 from anywhere in Kansas or 1-866-511-KDOT (5368) from anywhere in the US. You can also visit 511 Mobile, http://511mm.ksdot.org, using your mobile device.

Make sure you can see and be seen. Turn signals, brake lights and windows need to be clear of snow. Check your vehicle’s tires, wiper blades, fluids, lights, belts, and hoses. A breakdown is bad on a good day and dangerous on a bad weather day.

Leave plenty of time to reach your destination safely. It’s not worth putting yourself and others in a dangerous situation just to be on time.

Buckle up. Secure children (and adults) in appropriate seat belts, boosters and car seats. Don’t strap into your car while wearing bulky winter clothing as it can affect the ability for seat belts and car seats to do their job.

Slow down for wet, snowy and icy conditions. Avoid quick braking or acceleration. Slow down and watch for black ice when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges, or shady spots. You should never use cruise control in winter weather conditions.

Stay attentive to your driving and avoid distractions. Don’t talk on your cell phone or use your mobile device (calling, texting, emailing, etc.) while driving.

Allow additional room between your vehicle and others. Be patient. Watch for sudden stops or turns. Don’t take chances when pulling out in front of approaching vehicles. It takes longer to stop and accelerate in bad weather.

Overall, If the weather is bad, remember Ice and Snow…Take It Slow, or just don’t go.

Find more about safe winter driving here.

By:  Ashley Svaty

Feeding Birds in Winter

Posted on by Marci Metz

Winter weather is not only hard on people but can be a life and death struggle for birds. Though birds also require water and shelter, food is often the resource most lacking during cold weather. Many different bird food mixes are available because various species often prefer different grains. However, there is one seed that has more universal appeal than any other: black oil sunflower. If you are new to the bird-feeding game, make sure there is a high percentage of this seed in your mix. White proso millet is second in popularity and is the favorite of dark-eyed juncos and other sparrows as well as the red-winged blackbird.

To learn more go to: http://gearycountyextension.com/Birds/bbg1.pdf

By: Cassie Homan