Kansas State University Home Page Research & Extension Home Page
Who We Are Units and Offices Publications and Videos Library Weather Data Library Search Our Site Site Map Send us your Feedback


The Tuesday Letter
Agricultural Experiment Station & Cooperative Extension Service

Vol. 14, No. 4  November 27, 2007


IN THIS ISSUE...

...Word from the Associate Director - Extension and Applied Research
...Password Change Required by Next Monday at 5 P.M.!
...Holiday Party/Open House
...Reminder...
...November 30, 2007 Paycheck
...Poinsettias Galore! Open House
...Intentional Harmony Registration Deadline Approaching
...National 4-H Conference Chaperone Needed
...Health Promotion: From Planning to Implementation Area Trainings - December 4 Hays and December 5 Garden City Sessions
...Kansas 4-H Program Rally to be Held January 10-11 at Rock Springs
...2008 MetLife Foundation/4-H Afterschool Training Grants
...Center for Engagement Activity Update
...New Postings to Extension Administrative Handbook
...Marie's Pick of the Week
...Master Schedule

                                                                                                           ...Tuesday Letter Archives


WORD FROM THE ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR - EXTENSION AND APPLIED RESEARCH
Welcome back after a long holiday weekend. Hope your time with family and friends helped to rejuvenate your enthusiasm for your work as we push on between holidays.

I recently attended the National Association of State Universities and Land Grant Colleges (NASULGC) annual meetings. Several presentations and discussions stand out as significant in looking at the future of Land-Grant Universities and Cooperative Extension.

In a survey across the Cooperative Extension system, sixty-two institutions, including Kansas State University, weighed in on the extension educational opportunities envisioned for the future. That document is titled "Strategic Opportunities for Cooperative Extension ." At this website you will find both the full report and executive summary.

The following "educational opportunities" in priority order were cited:

  • Create pathways to energy independence.
  • Assure an abundant and safe food supply for all.
  • Sustain profitable plant and animal production systems.
  • Prepare youth, families, and individuals for success in the global workforce and all aspects of life.
  • Assist in effective decision-making regarding environmental stewardship.
  • Help U.S. residents to become physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy.
  • Assist communities in becoming sustainable and resilient to the uncertainties of economics, weather, health, and security.
  • The report also cites opportunities for organizational adjustments internally to include:

  • Become more flexible and agile in identifying and serving residents with diverse backgrounds and needs.
  • Strengthen and diversify the funding streams for Extension priorities.
  • Speed up the rate of transformation of Cooperative Extension.
  • I find it somewhat reassuring that the K-State Research and Extension 5 Year Work Plan aligns fairly well with these priorities, with exception to the emphasis on energy independence that has unfolded within the past 2 years. While not included in this plan, the work focused on energy independence is clearly evident with such examples as the symposium at the 2007 Annual Conference highlighting some of our work in this area.

    Our work plan is scheduled to be redone beginning in 2008 with implementation to start in 2010. The national document will provide an excellent starting point as we focus on our future priorities in Kansas. --Daryl Buchholz dbuchhol@ksu.edu

     

    PASSWORD CHANGE REQUIRED BY NEXT MONDAY AT 5 P.M.!   
    K-State Research and Extension's network servers are being rebuilt because of a security incident.  In accordance with campus IT policy and to ensure security of your account, KSRE employees are required to change their passwords between Tuesday, November 27 and Monday, December 3, at 5 p.m. (since you are changing it now, you won't have to change it in January when the rest of the university changes passwords).
     
    Please change your K-State eID password before Monday, December 3, at 5 p.m.  After that time, your KSRE eID account with an unchanged password will be deactivated and you will lose access to all systems. 
     
    To change your KSU eID password, sign in to your eID profile at http://eid.k-state.edu .
     
    If you need assistance, call IET at 785-532-6270 during normal business hours. After hours help is available from K-State's IT Help Desk at 785-532-7722 or helpdesk@k-state.edu
     
    Thank you for your prompt help with this important security measure. --Larry Jackson ljackson@ksu.edu
     
     

    HOLIDAY PARTY/OPEN HOUSE
    The College of Agriculture and K-State Research and Extension are very pleased to invite you to our 2007 Holiday Party/Open House at the K-State Alumni Center on Monday, December 10, 2007 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Come straight from work—no need to go home and dress up!

    This party is for all faculty, staff, spouses or guests, retirees, and other special guests departments would like to invite. We plan to have a large menu of hors d’oeuvres along with wine, beer and non-alcoholic drinks. There will door prizes and an auction. Your cost is nothing—it’s a holiday present! Door prizes will be given at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. with the auction at 5:30 p.m.

    In the spirit of the season, we will be collecting donations for the Flint Hills Breadbasket at the party. A volunteer from the Breadbasket will be there to collect either your non-perishable food items or money donations.

    Please RSVP to Connie Emig at 785-532-6147 or cemig@ksu.edu  no later than November 30, 2007. --Connie Emig

     

    REMINDER...
    Tenure Records for County/District and Farm Management Classified Staff were due yesterday
    . County/District and Farm Management offices should have received a printout the week of November 13 with  classified staff listed.

    If you have not done so, please make the necessary updates and corrections before returning it to Extension Operations, 121 Umberger Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506-3414.

    If you have any questions, please contact me at 785-532-5820 or cchristi@ksu.edu . Thank you. --Cheryl Christian

     

    NOVEMBER 30, 2007 PAYCHECK
    The November 30, 2007 paycheck is the third paycheck in the month. Therefore, premiums for group health insurance, KPERS optional group life insurance, TEA life insurance and contributions to the KanElect flexible spending accounts will not be deducted from this paycheck.

    Additionally, 12-month unclassified employees do not earn an 8-hour vacation day for the pay period November 4, 2007 through November 17, 2007, paid November 30, 2007. Also, unclassified employees appointed to less than 12-month non-instructional positions do not earn vacation leave for this same pay period.

    Questions should be addressed to Benefits Administration at 785-532-6277, or e-mail: BENADMIN@K-STATE.EDU . --Division of Human Resources

     

    POINSETTIAS GALORE! OPEN HOUSE
    KSRE's annual Poinsettias Galore! Open House will be held on Wednesday, December 5, from 11a.m. to 3 p.m. in the main hallway of the Throckmorton Greenhouse complex.  HORT 570 Greenhouse Operations Management students have produced over 50 cultivars of poinsettias this year that will be displayed; more information is available at www.oznet.ksu.edu/poinsettias/ . Visitors may enjoy apple cider and complete a Consumer Preferences Survey for chances to win poinsettia centerpieces.

    Friends of the KSU Gardens are selling these poinsettias in the KSU Gardens Visitors' Center at the following times:

    Saturday, December 1, from 9 a.m. till noon;
    Wednesday, December 5, from 11 a.m. till 3 p.m.; and
    Saturday, December 8, from 9 till noon

    --Kim Williams kwilliam@ksu.edu

     

    INTENTIONAL HARMONY REGISTRATION DEADLINE APPROACHING
    WHAT:
    Intentional Harmony: Managing Work and Life was developed by University of Illinois Extension to help people balance their work and personal lives. Intentional Harmony is based in family theory and interdisciplinary research, and teaches individuals how to create harmony in their lives, reduce stress, and balance competing demands.

    WHO: KSRE professionals who are interested in becoming certified leaders are invited to attend one of four trainings. Certified leaders may teach the curriculum to the general public. Trainings are conducted by Deb Sellers, PhD, and Sharolyn Flaming Jackson, master trainers for Intentional Harmony.

    WHEN & WHERE: Training sessions are scheduled from 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. on the following dates. If trainings fail to fill with a minimum of five participants, that training will be cancelled and those registered will be given the option of attending training in a different area.

    January 15, 2008: SW
    January 16, 2008: NW
    January 22, 2008: NE
    January 24, 2008: SE

    CURRICULUM FEES: The curriculum fee is $75.00. This fee provides access to the Intentional Harmony website for one year, which includes downloadable facilitator’s guides, power point presentations, video clips, activity sheets, handouts, research reference sheets, news commentaries, press releases, publicity brochures, and other materials that are updated periodically. If there are two or more KSRE professionals in one county or district who are interested in becoming leaders, that county will still pay only one curriculum fee of $75.00.

    TRAINING FEES: The fee to attend the one-day training is $20.00 and includes a lunch meal. If there are two or more KSRE professionals in one county or district who are interested in becoming leaders, all must attend the training and all must pay the $20.00 training fee.

    HOW: To register, please e-mail Deb Sellers at dsellers@ksu.edu . She will send a registration form to you. The registration deadline for the trainings is December 23, 2007. We will send confirmation e-mails with exact locations and other details prior to the training date.

    For more information, contact Sharolyn Flaming Jackson, 785-532-2273, sharolyn@ksu.edu ; or Debra M. Sellers, 785-532-5773, dsellers@ksu.edu . --Debra Sellers

     

    NATIONAL 4-H CONFERENCE CHAPERONE NEEDED
    We are pleased to announce the following four Kansas 4-H members who have been selected to represent Kansas at the National 4-H Conference in Washington DC this spring: Clair Carlson from Johnson County, Kyla Clawson from Finney County, David Hanks from Lyon County, and Anthony Seiler from Sedgwick County.

    We are looking for an adult chaperone to partner with these young people for this working conference where recommendations are made to the Secretary of Agriculture on the direction of the national 4-H program. The dates for the conference are Saturday, March 29, through Thursday, April 3. There will also be an orientation session with the Kansas delegates in January and the possibility of conference calls to prepare for the trip.

    This opportunity is open to Extension staff (more than one year experience is preferred) and VIP registered adult volunteers who are at least 21 years of age. All adult chaperone travel, lodging, and meal expenses are paid though the generous support of the Kansas 4-H Foundation.

    If you or one of your volunteers is interested in learning more about serving as a chaperone for National 4-H Conference, please contact Justin Wiebers no later than Friday, December 7. --Justin Wiebers jwiebers@ksu.edu

     

    HEALTH PROMOTION: FROM PLANNING TO IMPLEMENTATION AREA TRAININGS - DECEMBER 4 HAYS AND DECEMBER 5 GARDEN CITY SESSIONS
    Almost everyone knows what they should do to attain a healthy lifestyle, but just providing healthy living education and disease prevention programs does not always motivate good health behavior. Extension professionals and community partners are invited to attend the area-wide "Health Promotion: from Planning to Implementation" trainings. These sessions will help local leaders of community health efforts to better understanding how to design, organize, and deliver health programs with "an eye" towards effective use of behavior theory.

    Workshops will be held (9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.):

    December 4  (Tuesday) in Ellis County Extension Office, Hays
    December 5 (Wednesday) at the Wheatland Restaurant, 1404 E. Fulton, Garden City

    To register,  e-mail or call in your “intent to attend” at least 3 days prior to your selected session to - 
    Elaine Johannes ejohanne@ksu.edu , 785-532-5773
    or Mike Bradshaw mhb@ksu.edu , 785-532-5773. Confirmation of your attendance and location details will be provided.

    "Health Promotion - from Planning to Implementation" is a training led by Drs. Mike Bradshaw,  Elaine Johannes of the School of Family Studies and Human Services; Whitney Lake Thomas, Marriage and Family Therapy Graduate Student in the School of Family Studies and Human Services; and K-State MPH (Master's in Public Health) faculty. There is no charge for this training which is funded through special awards from the  K- State Center of Engagement and Community Development and K-State Research and Extension. --Elaine Johannes ejohanne@ksu.edu

     

    KANSAS 4-H PROGRAM RALLY TO BE HELD JANUARY 10-11 AT ROCK SPRINGS
    The Kansas 4-H Program Rally will be held January 10-11, 2008, at Rock Springs 4-H Center. We have a great learning and connecting opportunity planned. Come and learn about the National Mission Areas, updates from Kansas 4-H Task Forces, Best Management Practices for 4-H Livestock Identification, Risk Management, how to work with your 4-H Youth Development PDC and more.  You will also have the opportunity to experience and see new technology at the “technology petting zoo”.  The online registration information is up on the web at https://4hyp-ts.oznet.ksu.edu/wconnect/ace/home.htm .

    In addition to registering for the Rally we are also offering you an opportunity to purchase some new KSRE or Kansas 4-H Apparel. Fleece vests, mini check twills and polyester polos are all available. It is a great opportunity to get in on a group order and improve your professional wardrobe. Registrations should be made by December 10, 2007.  --Beth Hinshaw bhinshaw@ksu.edu  and Beth Hecht bhecht@ksu.edu

     

    2008 METLIFE FOUNDATION/4-H AFTERSCHOOL TRAINING GRANTS
    National 4-H Council, in partnership with MetLife Foundation, is pleased to announce the 2008 MetLife Foundation/4-H Afterschool Training Grants. These $10,000 grants are available to provide training to after-school providers in eleven states.  The Request for Proposals is available on-line at:
    http://www.fourhcouncil.edu/GrantsProgram.aspx , and is due to National 4-H Council on Monday, December 17, 2007, 4:00 p.m. Only one application per state should be submitted and multi-state partnerships are encouraged.

    Grantees awarded funding are eligible to submit a proposal for the 2008 Programs of Distinction (POD) Awards (go to: http://www.national4-hheadquarters.gov/about/pod.htm  for more details) sponsored by 4-H Headquarters/CSREES.  Winners under POD are then eligible for the MetLife Foundation Excellence in Afterschool Awards. MetLife Foundation will provide four $1500 awards to be presented at the 2008 Galaxy III Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana (September 15- 19, 2008). --Pamela Van Horn pvanhorn@ksu.edu

     

    CENTER FOR ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITY UPDATE
    Kiowa County - Several of KSU Campus faculty have been involved in work in Greensburg on projects that include housing design, and student volunteer coordination. The Huck Boyd Center for Community Media and the Educational Communication Center (both at K-State) have been working with the Greensburg community and Kiowa County on the creation of a Media Center to include print and web-based news services. Conversations with the public library and museum are also in process.
     
    Rural Grocery Stores - Staff in Agricultural Economics are currently working on a local consumer survey to be implemented for  5 rural grocery stores. By assessing the area grocery buying needs, the local stores will be better able to make decisions about product purchasing and service offerings. In addition, a statewide survey will give indication of rural business challenges and successful strategies.
     
    Public Issues Facilitation Workshop
    Register now for the Extension Public Issues Facilitation workshop coming up January 14-16. Extension professionals (and a guest from your Extension Board or community) will participate in a public forum, and practice facilitating public forums and guiding public decision-making. This workshop is also being offered for Credit. To register, visit http://www.k-state.edu/icdd/ .
     
    Engagement Incentive Projects
    Over $200,000 of project proposals were received at the CECD in November. The review board is currently scoring proposals and the funded engagement incentive projects will be announced after the first of the year. Thank you to everyone who submitted proposals. While the Center cannot fund all of the proposals, we will continue to seek external financial resources to support as much engaged activity as possible!
     
    KSU/Community Development Resources
    CECD is continuously updating the Community and Economic Development resources for Extension and communities on the web at www.ksu.edu/cecd . --Dan Kahl, CECD Extension Liaison  dkahl@oznet.ksu.edu

     

    NEW POSTINGS TO EXTENSION ADMINISTRATIVE HANDBOOK
    There are some new postings to the Extension Administrative Handbook. The handbook can be found on the K-State Research and Extension Employee Resources Web site:
    http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/employee_resources/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=191 .

    Chapter 1-E8  Authorization for Out-of-County/District and Out-of- State Travel by Extension Agents. This policy requires Board pre- approval of most out-of-state travel, and authorizes out-of- county/district travel for programming and professional development. Out-of-County travel for these purposes does not require Board pre- approval.

    Chapter 1-E17  Local Extension Unit Credit (Procurement) Card Policy. Approved and disapproved uses of credit cards by local units is detailed in this policy.

    Chapter 1-F26  Advance, Absentee or Proxy Balloting in a County Extension Council Election. This legal opinion prohibits the use of advanced, absentee and proxy ballots for Extension Council elections. --Jim Lindquist jlindqui@ksu.edu  

     

    MARIE'S PICK OF THE WEEK
    While beginning to review the 2007 Project Accomplishments database for items that are especially effective at helping us understand how our work can be highlighted to share outcomes, impacts, and success stories, this week my pick were reported by Sandra Wick.

    Success Story:

    Recycling continues to be a major activity. It is amazing just how many tons of waste we accumulate! Smith County is fortunate to have a trailer in every community that contributes to continuous efforts of the recycling program. The amount of waste that is recycled annually continues to increase and we hope to continue the upward trend!

    Short (knowledge gain) and Intermediate-term (practice change) Outcomes in Smith County included:

    * 12 citizens gained knowledge on recommended trees.
    * 45% of homeowners understand the importance and the proper method of planting trees.
    * Eight new windbreaks were established for farmsteads and livestock.
    * 105 new trees were planted.
    * 25 producers increased their subject matter knowledge of chemical recommendations for crop production.
    * 150 producers increased their knowledge of leasing arrangements for dryland cropland and pastures.

    --Marie Blythe mblythe@ksu.edu

     

    VIEW THE MASTER SCHEDULE OR ADD NEW ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS

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

    DATES TAKEN FROM THE MASTER SCHEDULE FOR DECEMBER 5, 2007, THROUGH DECEMBER 11, 2007:

    Wednesday, December 5, Garden City, Southwest Area Office
    .... Behavioral Change Theories and Models,
    10:00 to 3:00, Mike Bradshaw mhb@ksu.edu

    Friday, December 7, Parsons
    ….SEARC Advisory Committee Meeting,
    9:30 a.m., Lyle Lomas llomas@oznet.ksu.edu

    Friday, December 7, Manhattan
    ….NE Area FCS Program Enhancement,
    9:30 a.m., Sharolyn Flaming-Jackson sharolyn@ksu.edu  

    Friday, December 7 and Saturday, December 8, KSU, Manhattan
    ….Commencement 

    Tuesday, December 11, Seneca
    ….Dairy Days, John F. Smith jfs@ksu.edu  

    Tuesday, December 11, Manhattan, Pottorf Hall
    ….Strengthening 4-H Club Training,
    9:30 a.m., Diane Mack dmack@ksu.edu 

    Tuesday, December 11 through Thursday, December 13, Fort Collins, CO
    ….Range Beef Cow Symposium, Sandy Johnson sandyj@ksu.edu

     
    Top

    Please Submit Items no later than Noon on Monday to include in the following Tuesday Letter to:
    tuesday@oznet.ksu.edu . Put the word "Tuesday" in the subject line.

    K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.