The Tuesday Letter
Agricultural Experiment Station & Cooperative Extension Service

Vol. 14, No. 8  January 8, 2008

IN THIS ISSUE...

...Word from the Associate Director - Extension and Applied Research
...Diversity Climate Assessment Survey Coming Soon
...Wyandotte County Extension Office Temporarily Closed
...Dr. Forrest Chumley Accepts New Position
...Frannie Miller Receives MS Degree
...Chelsey Wasem Receives Masters Degree
...Agritourism Informational Meetings
...Deadline for Information Technology Awards Nominations
...Change! Harvey County Horse Quiz Bowl, January 19 - No Hippology Contest
...CMS Web Training
...Retirement Reception for Jean Clarkson-Frisbie
...Thank You from Paula Peters
...Greensburg Resource Conference Scheduled - February 5 - 7
...Kansas Saves/America Saves Grants Awarded!
...United Associations Conference, February 28-29, 2008
...Kansas 4-H Venturers Headed to New Mexico in 2008!
...December Extension Agent Personnel Changes
...Four Things Everyone Needs
...Master Schedule

                                                                                                           ...Tuesday Letter Archives

WORD FROM THE ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR - EXTENSION AND APPLIED RESEARCH
As a preview to the next article regarding a climate survey on diversity we are going to be conducting across our system, I thought Bill Murray had a great message when he was in Manhattan recently that might relate to how we respond to diversity.

Bill Murray, the comedian, was in Manhattan recently to accept an honor being given in memory of Del Close, a mentor of Murray's and several other well known comedians. Del Close was a Manhattan High graduate.

It was Bill Murray's comments to the students that caught my attention, and I quote this excerpt of an article in the Sunday, January 6, 2008 Manhattan Mercury:

Oh, how we could all learn from those words of wisdom when it comes to being truly "cool," and to make individuals become amazing groups by never making somebody feel uncomfortable. Wouldn't that be a great outcome from the initiatives we have and will continue to undertake in the spirit of embracing diversity and differences!

Now, please read on about the Climate Survey that will be conducted across the K-State Research and Extension system. --Daryl Buchholz dbuchhol@ksu.edu

DIVERSITY CLIMATE ASSESSMENT SURVEY COMING SOON
K-State Research and Extension is committed through our mission to make appropriate changes across our system with the changing demographics of the state. We must position ourselves to build our capacity as a Land Grant system to function inclusively and effectively in a multi-cultural world; and to set standards and implement a vision for supporting healthy, thriving, culturally diverse communities.

The first step in the process is to establish a baseline diversity climate assessment. Later in January, each KSRE employee will receive an e-mail requesting your participation in an online survey. Please take this request seriously and encourage those with whom you work to do likewise. Your honest feedback to survey questions is essential. More information will be coming on this as the survey is ready to go out to the system.

As background information, K-State Research and Extension is participating in a national project called the Change Agent States for diversity . An appointed team of extension representatives (called the Catalyst Team) will soon begin its work in identifying strategies and working with administration to implement those diversity change strategies. Special appreciation goes to those who have agreed to serve on the Catalyst Team. They include:

Alan Baker, Extension Agent, Wichita County
Debra Bolton , Extension Specialist, Southwest Area
Nozella Brown, Extension Agent, Wyandotte County
Lehiza Foronza, Program Assistant, Sedgwick County
Scott Gordon, Extension Agent, Montgomery County
Connie Hoch, Extension Associate, Community Development
Sara Juenemann, Office Professional, Northwest Area
Tanda Kidd, Extension Specialist, Human Nutrition
Barbara Lilyhorn, Extension Agent, Reno County
Denis Medeiros, Department Head, Human Nutrition
Emily Morehouse, Extension Agent, Douglas County
Brian Rees, Extension Agent, Lyon County
Chris Reinhardt, Extension Specialist, Animal Sciences and Industry
Deryl Waldren, Extension Specialist, Northwest Area
Chelsey Wasem, Extension Agent, Johnson County
Paula Peters, Assistant Director and CAS Project co-coordinator
Zelia Wiley, Assistant Dean and CAS Project co-coordinator

For further information about the Change Agent States for Diversity project, you can go to http://www.extension.org/pages/The_Change_Agents_States . Note that this website resides within the national eXtension websites. If you are interested in seeing everything on the eXtension website, go to http://www.extension.org/ . --Daryl Buchholz dbuchhol@ksu.edu

DR. FORREST CHUMLEY ACCEPTS NEW POSITION
Dr. Forrest Chumley has decided to accept a position as Vice President for Crop Development at Edenspace Systems Corporation in Junction City.

Please join me in thanking Forrest for his excellent leadership of the Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station for the last six years. He has continued the tradition of enhancing our research that not only is good but also good for something, quoting the Under Secretary of Agriculture.

Forrest and I have visited about this opportunity over the last several weeks and even though I really want him to stay at K-State we agreed that this is a great opportunity.

Dr. Chumley’s last day at K-State will be February 15 . The process to identity an interim associate director of the Agriculture Experiment Station will be initiated as soon as possible after I return from India on January 11, 2008.

Once again, please join me in thanking and congratulating Forrest. --Fred Cholick fcholick@ksu.edu

FRANNIE MILLER RECEIVES MS DEGREE
Frannie Miller, Rice County Extension Agent, has completed requirements at the University of Nebraska for her MS degree in Entomology. She has taken various classes via distance in order to complete her degree. The focus of her Masters degree project was integrated pest management of woody ornamentals.

Congratulations Frannie! --Dale Fjell dfjell@oznet.ksu.edu

CHELSEY WASEM RECEIVES MASTERS DEGREE
Chelsey Wasem, Johnson County Extension Horticulture Agent, has fulfilled requirements for her Masters Degree in Entomology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Chelsea participated in graduation ceremonies December 22, 2007.

Congratulations Chelsey --Jim Lindquist jlindqui@oznet.ksu.edu

AGRITOURISM INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS
Extension agents might want to be aware of two upcoming informational meetings on agritourism. The first will be in Emporia on January 9, at the American Legion, 2921 W. 12th, from 6:15 p.m. until 8:30 p.m., and the second will be in Council Grove on January 10, at the United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 21 N. Mission Street, from 1:15 p.m. until 3:30 p.m.

Each meeting has three parts. First, Abby Cash, Director of Oklahoma Agritourism, will give a presentation about the characteristics of the clientele, the kinds of experiences and products they want, and how to get started in the business. Second, a panel of Kansas Agritourism providers will describe their businesses and answer questions from the audience. Finally, an upcoming business development class will be explained. The class will consist of five consecutive Wednesday class sessions that will begin in late January and end in February.

These classes will be offered at Flint Hills Technical College and will be co-sponsored by the Flint Hills Resource Conservation and Development Council and the Kansas Small Business Development Center at Emporia State University. The weekly sessions will feature an easy-to-use workbook in which participants can take their business ideas “From Dreams to Reality.”

The meetings are for farmers, ranchers and anyone interested in starting or expanding a business in which rural tourism would be an important source of income. For more information on the meetings in Emporia and Council Grove call Jan Jantzen or Bruce Wells at The Flint Hills Resource Conservation and Development Council, 620-340-0113, ext. 9, or The Kansas Small Business Development Center at Emporia State University at 620-341-5308. --Ron Wilson rwilson@ksu.edu

CHANGE! HARVEY COUNTY HORSE QUIZ BOWL, JANUARY 19 - NO HIPPOLOGY CONTEST
Due to circumstances beyond our control, we will not be having the hippology portion of our contest this year. I hope this doesn't cause too much inconvenience.

Registration will still be due January 11 for the Quiz bowl.

We will be doing round robin instead of double elimination. Otherwise all rules will apply.

Call Ann Religa, 316-284-6930, if you can bring buzzers or if you have questions. --Ann Religa areliga@oznet.ksu.edu

To attend the training, go to: http://connect.oznet.ksu.edu/countycms/ . There is no need to RSVP, and many can attend. Please share this with others in your departments, offices, etc, who might be interested in the trainings. You will not need to log-in to attend the training.

Please let me know if you have any questions. For technical issues during the training, please call IET at 785-532-6270.

As a reminder, we have a recording of a previous advanced CMS training. This session covered newsletters, calendar, and banners. To see the recording of our previous session, go to http://connect.oznet.ksu.edu/p52764768 . --Linda Sleichter lsleicht@oznet.ksu.edu

RETIREMENT RECEPTION FOR JEAN CLARKSON-FRISBIE
A reception for Jean Clarkson-Frisbie, Pratt County Family Consumer Science Agent, has been set for Thursday, January 31, from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. at the Pratt Area 4-H Center located on the Pratt County Fairgrounds in Pratt, KS. Jean will be retiring from her Extension career serving not only her local community, but the state of Kansas and nation as well. Plan to join us in honoring her as we celebrate her many accomplishments.

For those of you who are unable to attend, we will be putting together a scrapbook of letters and well wishes for Jean. Please send them to the Pratt County Extension Office, 824 W. 1st, Pratt, KS 67124, c/o Jodi or Mark. --Mark Ploger mploger@ksu.edu

THANK YOU FROM PAULA PETERS
Thank you to all who wished me well or sent cards and flowers while I was home recuperating from surgery. Your kindness really made my recovery much easier! --Paula Peters ppeters@ksu.edu

GREENSBURG RESOURCE CONFERENCE SCHEDULED - FEBRUARY 5 - 6
USDA Rural Development and the South Central Community Foundation today jointly announced the first Greensburg Resource Conference will be held February 5 and 6 to help identify all recovery assistance that is available to support the Greensburg area's recovery following the devastating May 4th tornado and related storms. Organizations holding donated funds, offering specific volunteer labor and/or wishing to donate 'in-kind' products such as building materials are encouraged to attend this important two-day meeting.

"Greensburg city officials have asked the South Central Community Foundation and USDA Rural Development to coordinate and co-host this important resource/donor conference. Providing technical assistance like conducting this Conference, along with funding support, is vital to helping the region's long-term recovery effort," remarked USDA Rural Development State Director Banks in announcing the dates of the Conference.

Denise Unruh, Executive Director of the South Central Community Foundation commented, "Helping Greensburg and its residents identify all recovery resources will help the community to make sound decisions. I encourage all potential donors to attend this conference."

For people interested in attending the February 5th and 6th meeting, the registration form can be accessed from the Kansas USDA Rural Development Web home page, www.rurdev.usda.gov/ks , or the direct link is http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/ks/2008%20Pages/010408-Greensburg%20Resource%20Registration.htm

South Central Community Foundation is a local charity that is receiving monetary donations to the Greensburg Future Fund for the rebuilding of Greensburg. For more information call the local office at 620-672-7929 or log on to the website at www.southcentralcommunityfoundation.com . --Steven Graham sgraham@k-state.edu

KANSAS SAVES/AMERICA SAVES GRANTS AWARDED!
Congratulations to Denise Sullivan, Leavenworth County, who has received a $1200 grant from the Consumer Federation of America to promote financial-action goals through her Extension programs with adults and youth for the next 3 years, especially during America Saves Week (ASW), February 24 - March 2, 2008.

Other agents receiving a 2008 CFA grant include: Cindy Evans, Shawnee County; and Jana McKinney, McPherson County. Linda Walter, Finney County, received a CFA grant in 2007 and continues promoting the goals. Forty two counties and districts are involved promoting Kansas Saves/America Saves Week 2008 goals.

Three of the action goals encourage:

a) saving Tax Refunds with the Form 8888 split refund option;

b) making Saving Automatic through payroll deductions and automatic transfers to savings accounts or investment tools;

c) reducing credit card debt.

Save and Build Wealth, Not Debt! --Carol Young cyoung@ksu.edu

UNITED ASSOCIATIONS CONFERENCE, FEBRUARY 28-29, 2008
All Extension professionals are invited to attend the United Associations Conference, "Coming Together for Kansas Families," February 28 - 29, 2008 in the Sedgwick County Extension Education Center. This conference is planned by Kansas Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, Kansas Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, Alpha Rho (Kansas) Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi, and Kansas Association of Teachers of Family and Consumer Sciences.

Sessions will be of interest to any professional who works with families and include Dealing with Disasters, Recycling in the Office, Mexican Culture and Diversity, and Working with the ME Generation. Other topics include presentation techniques, housing, child development, environmental sustainability, and fabric trends.

Two keynote speakers will be featured. Candace Ayars, Kansas Health Institute, will address "Castaways in a Culture of Excess," examining the obesity epidemic as a product of social, environmental, and economic impacts on families over the last 30 years. Carolyn Jackson, AAFCS Executive Director, (and formerly KSU County Extension Agent), will speak on "Sustaining an Environment for Families the Next Hundred Years," how professionals can assist individuals, families and communities in making wise choices related to their well-being, resources and relationships. 

Registration information is available at the KAFCS website, www.kafcs.org . Or contact Nadine Sigle, nsigle@oznet.ksu.edu ; or Jan Stephens, jstephen@ksu.edu . --Jan Stephens

KANSAS 4-H VENTURERS HEADED TO NEW MEXICO IN 2008!
Kansas 4-H Venturers will be joining the Arkansas 4-H High Adventure Program for a 9-day backpacking adventure in the Pecos Wilderness Area of North Central New Mexico, July 29- August 6. Both programs are designed for teens (age 14 before January 1, 2008) and adults who are interested in and have a passion for outdoor adventure experiences. The challenge this year is backpacking 30-40 miles carrying a 35-45 lb. backpack at elevations of 9-12,000 feet over 5 days! In addition, they will explore the Capulin Volcano National Monument (New Mexico) and the Palo Duro Canyon (Amarillo, Texas) plus see the Texas Outdoor Musical Drama!

The cost of the 9-day trip is $500 and on-line registrations (event website info) are due March 1. Participants must be in top physical condition, pass a sports medical physical and attend the required Shakedown Training, May 30-June 1 at Rock Springs 4-H Center. In addition, participants and their parent should attend one of the Orientation Sessions (March 29 and April 26 --- locations to be determined later). Additional program information can be found on the Venturers' website, www.kansas4-h.org/Venturers .

The trip is limited to 24 participants and they will be taken on a "first-come" basis. On-line registrations are due March 1. Go to www.kansas4-h.org , then click on Register for 4-H Events.

Future trip plans: ALASKA BOUND! In 2009 we will probably plan a water based trip. THEN in 2010 plans are to go to the Alaska Wilderness! In order to participate in the Alaska Adventure you must have been on at least one other of our Venturer trips!

Serving as the 2008 Program Coordinators are Jo Ellen Arnold, Franklin County 4-H Agent; and Gerry Snyder, 4-H Venturer Volunteer. If you should have questions, they can be reached at jearnold@oznet.ksu.edu , 785-229-3520; and gsnyder@ksu.edu , 785-532-6270. --Pat McNally pmcnally@oznet.ksu.edu

DECEMBER EXTENSION AGENT PERSONNEL CHANGES
Michelle Brokes. Family and Consumer Sciences Agent in Ellsworth County, resigned effective December 28, 2007.

Paige Alexander, Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent in Haskell County, resigned effective December 29, 2007.

Todd Whitney, Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent in River Valley Extension District, returned from sabbatical leave on December 30, 2007

Rebecca McFarland, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent in Franklin County, returned from sabbatical leave on December 30, 2007.

Matthew Young, Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent in Brown County, began employment on December 30, 2007. His e-mail address is mayoung@ksu.edu.

--Stacey Warner swarner@ksu.edu

FOUR THINGS EVERYONE NEEDS
Harsh weather and shorter days might be the catalyst to update or create your estate plan. Without a plan, someone else will decide how the fruits of your life's work will be distributed.

Estate plans often include four critical elements: 1) a will; 2) a Durable Power of Attorney for Financial Decisions; 3) a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care Decisions; and 4) a Declaration of Preference for a Natural Death.

A famous philosopher once noted that only taxes and death are inevitable. Proper planning during your lifetime can reduce or eliminate death taxes, distribute assets to heirs or charity, and meet your personal and philanthropic goals.

If you believe one of life's major challenges is to leave the world better than you found it, you have the opportunity - the responsibility, really - to put your plans on paper. The winter's cold weather and shorter days may provide the perfect opportunity.

For more information, contact a member of the KSU Foundation's Gift Planning Department at 800-432-1578. As always, please consult your legal, tax or financial adviser before making any financial decisions. --Gordon Dowell gordond@ksu.edu