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Be a life-long learner
Donna Krug

Fall is in the air and that is exciting. For many families it means the start of a new school year with a schedule of extra-curricular activities that could make your head spin. For others it is a time of slowing down, and preparing your home and garden for cooler weather. For the Cottonwood Extension District, fall is a time when educational programs abound. 

Are you a life-long learner? Moms and dads, grandmas and grandpas are never too old to learn something new. I don’t mean you have to enroll in a formal class, complete with a syllabus and a final exam. I am talking about the many educational programs offered by the Cottonwood Extension District. Whether you are a farmer interested in controlling honey locust trees in your pastures, or you have youngsters who are ready to join the 4-H and youth program, Extension has something for everyone. One program I am excited to share in the month ahead is about fermented foods. (Next weeks’ column will provide all of the details)  

The year 2020 has created challenges for many. In Extension, our Administrative team has encouraged us to turn these challenges into opportunities. When our face-to-face meetings were restricted for a few months, our use of technology kicked into high gear. While Zoom meetings and webinars became the norm, our Cottonwood Extension Educators found ways to stay connected.

And just a reminder that our offices in both Great Bend and Hays are open and ready to serve you. We do ask that you wear a mask when entering our offices. If your questions can be answered through an e-mail or phone call we encourage that.

I would also like to encourage you to check out our Cottonwood website and like our Facebook page. Then you will see first hand the many learning opportunities that are highlighted. We are currently working on our fall quarterly on-line newsletter which will be posted to the web site in early October. I hope you will make time in your schedule to learn something new! 


Donna Krug is the Family & Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. Contact her at 620-793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu.