Risk for Loneliness and Social Isolation in Older Adults
Older adults are at risk for loneliness and social isolation. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) issued a report stating more than one-third of adults aged 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated. Some might use loneliness and social isolation interchangeably however there are differences. Loneliness is the feeling of being alone, regardless of the amount of social contact an individual…
Greene County MU Extension Launches Neighborhood Pilot Projects March 1
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Eight neighborhoods in Greene County are part of a pilot project launched March 1, 2021, as part of University of Missouri Extension’s new “Engaged Neighbor” program. Funding for this project is provided by the Greene County MU Extension Council and the Greene County Commission.
Positive Relationship Development Impacts Your Neighborhood and Community Says Specialist
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- The relationships we have with others impact different aspects of our lives, according to Amber Allen, a human development specialist with University of Missouri Extension.We have relationships with our children, significant others, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and anyone we interact with daily. Those relationships impact our families, neighborhoods, communities, coworkers, schools, churches, organizations, and…
Here Goes Something: An Introvert’s Guide to Neighboring
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Nearly every idea discussed in the Greene County MU Extension “Becoming an Engaged Neighbor” guide can be intimidating to introverts.Psychologist Carl Jung described the personality extremes of Introvert and Extrovert back in the 1920s. His basic definition said that introverts prefer minimally stimulating environments, and they need time alone to recharge. Extroverts generally refuel by being with others and have…
Apartments Can be Strangely Isolating, But Apartment Life Exists to Transform That Experience
SPRINGFIELD, Mo -- There is something strangely isolating about living in apartments."Apartments have a smile and wave culture," said Jody Anderson, Ozark's region coordinator for Apartment Life. "Most of the time, people living in apartments might know the name of a person across the hall, but beyond that, it is just smiling and waving."
A Handwritten Note to a Neighbor Can Be a Game Changer
SPRINGFIELD, Mo -- When a neighbor receives a kind note from us in the mail, especially if it is handwritten, they feel like the writer has a deeper desire to serve them or to connect.“One might say that a handwritten note can be a game changer. Especially now when many consider a handwritten note a dying art form,” said David Burton, community development specialist with University of Missouri Extension.
Steps to Creating a Neighboring Movement
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Now is the perfect time to encourage people to demonstrate compassionate care to their neighbors. Good neighbors doing good works leads to goodwill, which opens the door for good conversations according to David Burton, a community development specialist with University of Missouri Extension."An ongoing challenge seems to be the best way to motivate others to embrace the idea of neighboring," said Burton.
Data sheets document UM System's impact
COLUMBIA, Mo. – County-level data sheets on the impact of the University of Missouri System are at www.umsystem.edu/ums/sc/datasheets. The printable two-page PDFs have been updated with data for FY 2020.
Missouri land values continue to grow
COLUMBIA, Mo. – All classes of Missouri land values grew steadily in the past year, according to the University of Missouri Extension’s annual survey of farmers, rural appraisers and agricultural lenders.Ray Massey, MU Extension agricultural economics professor, heads the survey efforts.
What will it take to help small towns survive?
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Many small Missouri towns – perhaps most -- need new businesses and improvements in their downtown area, according to David Burton, county engagement specialist with University of Missouri Extension. "One key is going to be rethinking how we do things," said Burton. "I just read 'The Total Town Makeover' by Andrew McCrea. He encourages communities to rethink business, community, and homes in small-town America."
Missouri farmer spreads MU Extension mission to beginning producers
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri’s array of soils and topography allows producers to grow an extensive list of vegetables, from leafy greens to cucurbits. Springfield farmer Curtis Millsap is one of many producers who benefit from University of Missouri Extension guidance on commercial horticulture. Since 2003 he and his wife, Sarah, have been working with MU Extension, particularly horticulture specialist Patrick Byers.
The Myth of Multitasking
Have you ever been paying a bill online, while trying to get dinner ready, while letting the dog out, all while asking your family about their day. Societal norms have told us multitasking makes us more efficient and allows us to get more done all at once. However, the opposite is true we get less done; become more stressed; and tired. Researchers suggest that multitasking can actually reduce productivity by as much as 40%.
The Health Benefits of an Attitude of Gratitude
It is that time of year where we start saying what we are thankful for however, having an attitude of gratitude throughout the year can have many health benefits. Gratitude is defined as the appreciation of what is valuable and meaningful to oneself; it is a general state of thankfulness and appreciation.
Free hotline offers counseling, referrals for Missourians in crisis
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missourians in crisis can take advantage of a free 24-hour hotline for stress counseling as well as information and referrals on legal, financial, crisis/disaster and personal health topics. Individuals can seek help by phone or live online chat.
Connecting to Careers
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Scott Hoad was at a low point this spring, trying to piece together a decent living after being laid off from a job painting commercial aircraft. Then Hoad crossed paths with Amy Patillo, a University of Missouri Extension labor and workforce development specialist based in Springfield.
Like a Good Neighbor, Sort of
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- A landmark study on “good neighbors” by State Farm (2015) found that a sense of community among neighbors is a constant desire across generations. But, the State Farm survey also showed that Millennials may not know exactly how to connect; while Baby Boomers are generally most satisfied with relationships.
Scare up Good Times Year Round
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Halloween may look different for children and neighborhoods this year. But it is a good reminder that a neighborhood block party is the opportunity to scare up fun any time of year."A neighborhood block party is an opportunity for neighbors to get together, meet each other, have fun, and maybe work together on an everyday activity," said David Burton, a community development specialist with University of Missouri…
The Power of Partnership
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri has launched MU Community Connect, a platform designed to improve opportunities for connection between the university and various populations in the communities they serve.
Missouri 4-H Hall of Fame inducts new members
COLUMBIA, Mo. – “Making the best better” for generations of Missouri 4-H club members, 44 volunteers joined the Missouri 4-H Hall of Fame. The 2020 inductees, from 36 counties, have established a legacy totaling 1,008 years of service to 4-H.
Three Key Factors Needed for a Healthy Neighborhood
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Three factors continually show up in research when people express what they want in a “healthy” neighborhood: safe, clean, and friendly. According to David Burton, a community development specialist with University of Missouri Extension, individuals can take actions that will improve these factors in their neighborhood.
New Class Teaches You to Become an Engaged Neighbor; Practice on National Good Neighbor Day Sept. 28
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- National Good Neighbor Day is this month, and University of Missouri Extension is encouraging residents of Republic, Ash Grove, Bois D'Arc, Willard, and Walnut Grove to find ways to celebrate the day on Sept. 28 (or alternately Saturday, Sept. 26).“Neighboring does take time and effort. But, there are both personal and community benefits,” said David Burton, county engagement specialist with University of Missouri…
Corn residue: cheap grazing for cattle
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Grazing drought-dried corn and cornstalks offers cattle inexpensive, nutritious forage, say two University of Missouri Extension specialists.Many corn and livestock growers turned to longtime MU Extension livestock specialist Eldon Cole to ask about grazing dried-up corn after persistent drought in southwestern Missouri this season.SW Missouri cows thrive in drought-stricken corn
FireUP Your HR for Small Business
Seize the opportunity to develop real-time human resource (HR) tools in order to get better results and gain a distinct competitive edge.
Wantland tops State 4-H Dairy Judging Contest
SEDALIA, Mo. – The State 4-H Dairy Judging Contest looked somewhat different this year, but Lila Wantland remained consistent and led the field in dominating fashion at the Aug. 22 event held at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia. Wantland repeated her 2019 win, following up 2018 and 2017 victories in the intermediate division.
Survey Results of COVID-19 Remote Arrangements
University of Missouri Extension Wright County Engagement Specialist Janice Weddle and University of Missouri Extension Douglas County Engagement Specialist Dr. Krista Tate conducted surveys in rural areas to better understand and document outcomes surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic remote work and school arrangements. After analyzing data collected from March to July, the results have been compiled.