I love getting a glimpse “behind the scenes.” I enjoy seeing how things are made or that unique “backstage tour.” In our community, there are various groups that work “behind the scenes” to make things happen.
RISE Cowley is the community health coalition. This group evolved from the Vision 20/20 process convened by Cowley First. Participants represent the public and private sectors interested in community development, health, and wellness. This group is coordinating phase 2 of Pathways to a Healthy Kansas, a health initiative grant funded by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas.
Behind the scenes, this group has been part of various community improvement projects, including the lights at Arkansas City’s Poplar Trail, the playground surface at Winfield’s Lion’s Club park, partial funding for the Udall Park walking trail, and the basketball court concrete in Burden (just to name a few). New projects have been identified and additional community champions are needed to help us make progress.
The Cowley Farmers Market Association is working behind the scenes to organize details for the Ark City Farm and Art Market and the Walnut Valley Farmers Market. This working board (who are also vendors) meets throughout the year to review best practices, train vendors, and promote local foods.
Other community volunteers and vendors are starting Bebo’s Place - a new name and location for Dexter’s Farmers Market scheduled for Friday mornings. All local farmers markets will be starting in a few weeks (Winfield, May 29; Arkansas City, June 1; Dexter, June 4.)
Both RISE Cowley and local farmers market groups appreciate volunteers willing to help with “behind the scenes” tasks. There are always short term tasks or needs, such as setting up signs, taking photographs, or writing stories for social media or newspaper articles.
If you are interested in helping “behind the scenes,” contact me and I’ll help you connect. K-State Research and Extension Cowley County is located in the Cowley County Courthouse at 311 E 9th in Winfield. The office is open weekdays 8-11:30 a.m. and 12:30- 5 p.m. and can be reached at 620-221-5450.
Source: Facebook @RISECowley; @dexterfarmersmarket.org; @WalnutValleyFarmersMarket; @ArkansasCityFarmAndArtMarket
Upcoming K-State Research and Extension Events
Call 620-221-5450 for more information or to register
May 22 - Celebrate Ag Day, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Free, Winfield Fairgrounds
May 28 - Sitter Solutions, the beginning babysitting class for ages 11-14, $10, Winfield
June 4 - Sitter Solutions, the beginning babysitting class for ages 11-14, $10, Arkansas City
K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus in Manhattan.
