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The Tuesday Letter
Agricultural Experiment Station & Cooperative Extension Service

  
Vol. 13, No. 9  January 9, 2007


IN THIS ISSUE...

...Word from the Associate Director - Extension and Applied Research
...Welcome Dr. Chris Onstad, Area Extension Director - Northwest
...Dr. Dan O'Brien Moves to Agricultural Economics Position
...Happy New Year from your Diversity Programs Office
...State-Wide Spring Horticultural Training
...Password Change Reminder!
...Marie's Picks of the Week
...Farewell Reception for Leanne Stevenson
...Kansas Fairs and Festivals Association Convention
...KSU Foundation Update: A Brief Window of Opportunity
...Attention KAE4-HA Members!
...19th Annual Community Economic Development Conference
...Sandy Procter Becomes New Nutrition Specialist
...Marketing Minute for January 9: Reach the Connected Generation
...Apostrophes (Not Apostrophe's)
...
Master Schedule

                                                                                                           ...Tuesday Letter Archives


WORD FROM THE ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR - EXTENSION AND APPLIED RESEARCH
To "dazzle them with data" or "baffle them with ......," two common ways to refer to an Extension professional giving an educational presentation. As we move into the "winter meeting" season, it drives me to think back of Dr. Howell Wheaton, Extension Agronomy Professor at the University of Missouri. Howell was the forages/grazing system specialist, and one of my early career, true mentors. Dr. Wheaton retired nearly 20 years ago as one of the best known Extension professionals in Missouri. Today, according to his Christmas letter, Howell continues to live on his acreage outside Columbia, MO, raising a few black Angus cattle and traveling the circuit with his connections in the Angus Association.

Dr. Wheaton has a skill and art to making presentations that I will always envy and never achieve. But, I will always remember some important advice he gave me on being an Extension professional. His advice was simple. 1) Know your subject matter; 2) Know your audience; 3) Decide what this specific audience needs to know; 4) Design your educational program to be sure the audience will understand what they need know; 5) Avoid overloading a presentation with lots of data, but rather teach them what they need to know; 6) Be enthused about what you want them to learn; 7) Use humor and/or stories to enhance the education; and 8) Know your subject matter.

In practice, Dr. Wheaton was an "edu-tainer." He was a popular after-dinner speaker. Yet, I saw him in all kinds of educational settings. His mastery was of his knowledge of the subject matter, and his ability to drive home the two or three important lessons he wanted everyone in that audience to walk out knowing and understanding. He was also a master at tying a story or humor to an important point that would assure everyone would remember the point. As he said, everyone remembers the story, and once they recall the story, they then remember his educational point that was effectively tied to it. Data slides were almost void of his presentations. But, when challenged on specific points, he could site the research and would send follow-up information justifying his educational points.

His final point to me was: 9) always go well prepared, and to him that meant understanding the audience, their interests and their needs. --Daryl Buchholz dbuchhol@ksu.edu

 

WELCOME DR. CHRIS ONSTAD, AREA EXTENSION DIRECTOR - NORTHWEST
Dr. Chris Onstad began his duties as Northwest Area Extension Director located at the Northwest Research and Extension Center, Colby, on Monday, January 8. Chris comes to K-State Research and Extension from South Dakota State University Extension where, for the past five years, he was North District Extension Supervisor. He received his B.S. in agronomy from SDSU and his M.S. and Ph.D. in plant pathology from North Dakota State University. He has also spent six years as an Extension agent in the Montana State University Extension Service.

We welcome Chris to K-State Research and Extension, and wish him all the success in this administrative role of guiding and supporting the Extension faculty and staff in Northwest Kansas in their mission of serving the Extension educational interests and needs of the people. --Daryl Buchholz dbuchhol@ksu.edu

 

DR. DAN O'BRIEN MOVES TO AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS POSITION
Dr. Dan O'Brien has stepped out of the Northwest Area Extension Director role and into his former faculty role as Area Extension Agricultural Economist - Northwest Kansas. Dan had made the earlier personal decision to return to his faculty position. With this change of assignment, I am deeply appreciative of the outstanding contributions Dan made in his administrative role over the past three years. Dan provided great leadership to the faculty and staff in the Northwest area, and outstanding insight and leadership to the overall state administrative team for Extension.

We wish Dr. O'Brien all the success with his return to the faculty position, and look forward to his continuing development of outstanding educational resources, programming, and leadership. --Daryl Buchholz dbuchhol@ksu.edu

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM YOUR DIVERSITY PROGRAMS OFFICE
We trust you had a great holiday break and are now ready for 2007. Please be reminded that next week our College will participate in the university's 2007 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration. The week's activities promise an exciting week for all.

We are pleased to announce that our Diversity Programs Office will kick off our week's activities by hosting our Annual Diversity Leader Luncheon. This annual event will take place on Tuesday, January 16, 2007, 12:30 p.m. - 2 p.m., in the K-State Union, Flint Hills Room. Our speaker is Carl T. Butler, USDA 1890 Program Manager and Public Relations Chair for the National Society of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS). His topic is "Diversity: Assessing the Needs of our People." The luncheon is free to all; however, we do ask that you RSVP by January 12, 2007.

We know you do not want to miss this event for it will be beneficial for all who attend.

You may visit our website, www.ag.ksu.edu/diversity , or call our office at 785-532-5793, to learn about other activities during this week. We hope you can join us for this event. We thank Cargill, Inc., and other sponsors for making this event a reality.

Again, "Happy New Year!" and welcome back to all. --Zelia Wiley zwh@ksu.edu

 

STATE-WIDE SPRING HORTICULTURAL TRAINING
Tuesday, January 23, will be a state-wide Spring Training for Garden Centers, Landscape and Grounds Maintenance companies. It will be held from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn West in Topeka, KS. All interested Agricultural and Horticulture agents are invited to attend.

The cost of $45 per person covers lunch. Contact Emily Nolting at enolting@ksu.edu . --Emily Nolting

 

PASSWORD CHANGE REMINDER!
THE UNIVERSITY'S eID PASSWORD CHANGE DEADLINE IS FEBRUARY 14.

Please change your K-State eID password before February 15.  On February 15, all eID accounts with unchanged passwords will be deactivated.

There are new password rules this year.  The minimum number of characters for a password has been changed from 6 to 7. Also passwords must contain characters from three of the following categories:

  • Uppercase letters
  • Lowercase letters
  • Numbers
  • Special characters (such as !,@,#,$,%,^,&,*, etc.)

To change your KSU eID password, log in to your eID profile at http://eid.k-state.edu . For more detailed instructions on changing your passwords go to http://accounts.oznet.ksu.edu/password .

As always, you can call IET at 785-532-6270 for additional help.  --Kat Burton kburton@ksu.edu

 

MARIE'S PICKS OF THE WEEK
While continuing to review the Project Accomplishments database for items especially effective at helping us understand how our work can be highlighted to share outcomes, impacts, and success stories, this week there are two selections:

Ellis was one of many counties conducting a successful Walk Kansas program. In addition to the exercise benefit, Carla Morrical-Frederking reported that each week one of the 97 teams participating was recognized with a fruit basket to promote 5-a-Day and encourage eating more fruits and vegetables. County testimonials included: "I did not realize how many fruits and vegetables I was not eating each week until I started recording it." "All team members were more aware of the number of fruits and vegetables they were eating. They were the snack food instead of junk food." "My energy increased and I feel better." "Great program for our family."

In addition to specific program outcomes, Leanne Stevenson’s annual report highlighted comprehensive outcomes demonstrating the value of Extension programs in Miami County:

- The Executive Board and County Commissioners gained awareness of current programs and educational efforts.
- Extension employees became more informed about programs so the office can be efficient and productive.
- Fair Board members became more knowledgeable about the breadth of the Extension programs.
- Members of the community learned about the extent of Extension programs through information presented  in formal and informal settings. –Marie Blythe mblythe@ksu.edu

 

FAREWELL RECEPTION FOR LEANNE STEVENSON
Leanne Stevenson, Miami County Agricultural and Natural Resources Agent, will be leaving her position with K-State Research and Extension January 19. She has taken a position with the Wyoming Department of Agriculture as the new manager of the Natural Resources and Policy Division starting January 29. In her new position, Stevenson will concentrate on promoting the efforts of the Natural Resources and Policy Division for the Wyoming Department of Agriculture from her office in Cheyenne.

Please join us for a farewell reception held in her honor on Friday, January 19, from 4 - 6 p.m., at the K-State Research and Extension Miami County office, 20 S. Gold Street in Paola, Kansas. Please come and visit with Leanne and help us thank her for sharing her time and talents with us in Kansas. --Diane Burnett dburnett@oznet.ksu.edu

 

KANSAS FAIRS AND FESTIVALS ASSOCIATION CONVENTION
At the request of the Kansas Fairs and Festivals Association, Extension Administration was asked to address the topic, "The Relationship Between County Fair Associations and The Extension Program," on January 7, at the Closing Session at their annual convention in Topeka. Pat Murphy and Pat McNally addressed this topic, sharing with those present a copy of the "Addendum 2 Extension Roles and Fairs and Shows." This document is on the 4-H website, http://www.kansas4-h.org/Agents/Policies.htm , and has been in existence since 1996.

During the presentation, members of the Barton County Fair Board shared with the group how this document had been of great value for both their group and their Extension Agents in refining and defining responsibilities. In addition, the conference attendees asked questions pertaining to the issuance/non-issuance of 1099s. The key responses to those questions focused on:

1) because of the unique complexities of livestock premium sales, it is our recommendation that they consult with a local tax advisor, tax lawyer or CPA, obtaining their written recommendations;

2) because of the Kansas Extension Law, Extension Councils cannot legally handle the funds for any commercial component of the county fair, including the livestock premium sale.

The attendees were also informed of the current value of volunteer time, which in Kansas is $14.80; this fact may be of value in writing reports, grant proposals, and with requests for additional funding from various sources. Emphasis was placed on the importance of continued partnerships between the two entities to plan and produce a top quality event. --Pat McNally pmcnally@oznet.ksu.edu

 

KSU FOUNDATION UPDATE: A BRIEF WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY
Talk about a senior discount!

Congress has revised the tax law to permit donors over age 70.5 to make charitable gifts through their IRAs. The change means IRA owners potentially can increase their contributions to charitable causes by 17% to 54% and have the "bonus" paid for entirely by the tax collector.

The new law says that people age 70.5 and older can instruct IRA custodians to make transfers to organizations they support without incurring taxable income on those amounts. Up to $100,000 can be given in this manner ONLY UNTIL THE END OF 2007.

No income tax deductions are available for IRA gifts, but IRA donors can still save significant taxes. In fact, making charitable contributions through an IRA can enable individuals to increase their size of gift absolutely free. What a great opportunity for members of your community to give back to extension. For more information, contact the KSU Foundation Gift Planning Department at 1-800-432-1578. --Lori Rogge lorir@found.ksu.edu

 

ATTENTION KAE4-HA MEMBERS!
Start the new year off right! Nominate a fellow co-worker or yourself for a NAE4-HA Service and/or Communicator Award. These are due March 1, but do it now before you get too busy and forget. It is important to recognize each other and ourselves for the hard work we put into building and sustaining a dynamic youth development program!

Information is available from me or at www.nae4ha.org . Click on Professional Development - Awards and Recognition. Your username and password is your first initial and last name and the last 4 digits or your work phone number. For example: Shawna Mitchell = smitchell1523.

There are a number of awards which you can apply for or nominate someone for. Check out the website today! --Shawna Mitchell smitchel@oznet.ksu.edu

 

19TH ANNUAL COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE
A TIME OF CHANGE, A TIME FOR CHANGE: REGIONALISM FOR RURAL KANSAS

M
ark Your Calendars for April 11–12, 2007, Lindsborg, Kansas. The 2007 Kansas Community Economic Development Conference will explore regionalism as an economic driver for rural Kansas. Participants will expand community boundaries and redefine regions, strategically pick issues for cooperation, learn how to enlist new partners and create opportunities, and develop an action strategy for collaboration.

This conference is sponsored by the Kansas Department of Commerce, K-State Center for Engagement and Community Development, and the Institute for Policy and Social Research at the University of Kansas. For additional information, contact Dan Kahl, dkahl@ksu.edu . --Dan Kahl

 

SANDY PROCTER BECOMES NEW NUTRITION SPECIALIST
Sandy Procter completed her PhD and was "hooded" at KSU Graduation ceremonies in December.  The rest of the story is that she is now officially a Nutrition Specialist for K-State Research and Extension.
Sandy's specialty is Maternal and Infant Nutrition.  One of her responsibilities will be to continue to administer our EFNEP program, but in addition she will be available as a resource to the whole state.  Plus, she has graciously agreed to be one of the co-leaders of the Nutrition, Food Safety and Health area of program focus.

Sandy's doctoral research was on breastfeeding and she has special interest in that as well as family mealtimes.  She's been the editor of the "Nutrition Spotlight" for several years because of her wonderful writing skills.  She has received training in writing for low literacy audiences and is a great resource for all of us in that area.

Please help me welcome Sandy into this new role.  I know she will continue to be a great asset to K-State Research and Extension. I'm sure she would be happy to discuss your needs around Maternal and Infant Nutrition programming.  Her contact information is procter@humec.ksu.edu , or 785-532-1675. --Paula Peters ppeters@ksu.edu

 

MARKETING MINUTE FOR JANUARY 9: REACH THE CONNECTED GENERATION
Baby Boomers, Generation X, Generation Y. What's next? The Connected Generation. This consumer group, age 18-40, is known for being connected through technology. Research indicates they are online hourly, with their cell phone to their ear almost constantly. Their community consists of relationships with people they hardly ever meet face-to-face. They expect instant responses customized for them. So what can we do to reach this audience?

According to a book entitled, "Mind Your X's and Y's: Satisfying the 10 Cravings of a New Generation of Consumers," here are five perceived needs of the Connected Generation:

1. Shine the spotlight. Personalize the content to meet their needs.
2. Raise my pulse. They highly value adventure and fun.
3. Make loose connections. Their social community consists largely of relationships with people they hardly  ever meet face-to-face.
4. Give me brand candy. Design and look is as important as content and depth.
5. Filter out the clutter. Remove excess content to make it fast and easy to get the content they are seeking.

For more information on this topic or other marketing-related questions, please contact Linda Sleichter at lsleicht@ksu.edu. --Linda Sleichter

 

APOSTROPHES (NOT APOSTROPHE'S)
Apostrophes can be confounding punctuation marks for some folks. Apostrophes are used for two reasons: 
1. to show possession or who owns something (e.g. Kris' cat); and
2. to show where letters have been eliminated when forming a contraction (e.g. don't). 

The latter example is pretty clearly understood, but the former gives folks fits. For possessives, apostrophes separate common singular nouns from an "s," like "a dog's bark," and are placed after the "s" in the case of common plural nouns, "those dogs' barks." For proper nouns (those we need to capitalize), the rule is the same for most singular nouns, like "Jack's dog," but if the noun ends in an "s," ("Kris' dog"), you add just the apostrophe.

For hers, its, theirs, yours, and ours, no apostrophe is used. Quick note:  it's = the contraction for "it is," not the possessive form of its.

Where apostrophes get abused for the most part is in plurals.  For some reason, we feel compelled to put in an apostrophe when we use plurals. Examples of mistakes with this would include: "The 4Her's were at the fair," "We informed the county board's," "We all want raise's."

Thanks to Communications Department Head Kris Boone for the above entry.

Also note, the term "4H’ers" is a contraction of the longer "4-H members." It is not a possessive term. Use the complete name for a possessive: "the 4-H member’s entry" or "the 4-H members’ exhibits." --Nancy Zimmerli-Cates nancyz@ksu.edu

 

VIEW THE MASTER SCHEDULE OR ADD NEW ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS.

Submit corrections to previously submitted items to jzarger@ksu.edu .

DATES TAKEN FROM THE MASTER SCHEDULE FOR JANUARY 17, 2007, THROUGH JANUARY 23, 2007:

ADDITIONS:

Monday, January 15
.... Ag Profitability Conference, Emporia/LY and surrounding area, 8:30 a.m., Brian Rees
brees@oznet.ksu.edu

Tuesday, January 16
.... Beef Nutrition and Reproduction School, Marysville/MS and surrounding area, 4:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Michael Vogt
mvogt@oznet.ksu.edu

Wednesday, January 17
.... SW Annual Partnership Meeting, Cimarron/GY (4-H Building), SW Area, Paul Hartman
phartman@oznet.ksu.edu
.... Beef Nutrition and Reproduction School, Manhattan (Sale Barn) and surrounding area, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon, Glenn Brunkow
gbrunkow@ksu.edu

Thursday, January 18
.... NW Annual Partnership Meeting, Hays (Research Center Auditorium), NW Area, Chris Onstad
constad@oznet.ksu.edu

Friday, January 19
.... Kansas Nutrition Network Partners Meeting, Topeka, Statewide, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Karen Fitzgerald
kfitzger@ksu.edu

Saturday, January 20
.... Wabaunsee 4-H Shooting Sports Match, Alma, Statewide, Gary Gerhard
ggerhard@ksu.edu

Monday, January 22
.... Wheat Production and Management, Kingman, Multi-county, SW, 1:00 p.m., Curtis Thompson
cthompso@oznet.ksu.edu
.... Landlord-Tenant Relations, Emporia/LY and surrounding area, 2:00 p.m., Brian Rees
brees@oznet.ksu.edu

Tuesday, January 23
.... Spring Training for Garden Centers, Topeka/SN, Statewide, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Emily Nolting
enolting@oznet.ksu.edu
.... SE Annual Partnership Meeting, Eureka/GW (First United Methodist Church), SE Area, J.D. McNutt
jdmcnutt@oznet.ksu.edu
.... Wheat Production and Management, Lakin/KE, 9:30 a.m., Curtis Thompson
cthompso@oznet.ksu.edu
.... Wheat Production and Management, Tribune/GL, 1:30 p.m. MT, Curtis Thompson
cthompso@oznet.ksu.edu

Tuesday, January 23, through Wednesday, January 24
.... Cover Your Acres Winter Conference, Oberlin/DC and surrounding area, Brian Olson
bolson@oznet.ksu.edu

 

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