Tuesday Letter

The Tuesday Letter
Agricultural Experiment Station & Cooperative Extension Service

Vol. 14, No. 35 July 15, 2008

IN THIS ISSUE...

...Word from the Associate Director - Extension and Applied Research
...Clarifying Unclassified Employee of the Year Eligibility
...Thank You from Ernie Minton
...Thank You from Danny Rogers
...KYLF Workshop Presenters Needed
...Upcoming Events
...Last Call for 2008 Kansas 4-H and FFA State Wheat Show Samples
...Words from the Diversity Programs Office
...Nebraska-Kansas Collaboration on Aging Issues: Invitation to Join Project Teams
...Symposium on Sustainability of Biofuels Production and Processing
...Marketing Minute - Interests and Involvement
...Women's Health Matters Workshop and Luncheon to be August 9
...Master Schedule

...Tuesday Letter Archives

WORD FROM THE ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR - EXTENSION AND APPLIED RESEARCH
A few weeks back, June 10 to be exact, I focused my comments on the importance of Extension program evaluation. I was asked last week by an Extension specialist, "who in Extension administration does evaluation?" Sheepishly, I had to reply that we didn't really have anyone "doing evaluation" in Extension administration. In fact, the last time we had on-going administrative support for evaluation was when Brad Williams was a part of the administrative team. That's been a few years back, and there is nothing in sight for hiring an "evaluation specialist" in the administrative team.

That said, I don't believe this to set us free from evaluating our educational programs. Instead, there is considerable literature on the topic. The University of Wisconsin Extension has a library of resource information on web for those wanting such resources.

For me, to begin a track of solid evaluation often times can occur by simply asking the 3 or 4 critical questions for which you would like feedback.

I would like your feedback on the following questions pertaining to this weekly Tuesday message. Keep in mind, this is simply for my message and not the content of overall newsletter.

1. What type of information do you most enjoy reading in this message?
2. Cite any way your having read this weekly article to have had a positive influence or change in you?
3. What topics would you like to have discussed in future messages?
4. What do you find to be most valuable when you take the time to read this message?

I' d appreciate your feedback. Answer any or all the questions. Have a great week! --Daryl Buchholz dbuchhol@ksu.edu

CLARIFYING UNCLASSIFIED EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR ELIGIBILITY
In the recent 6/30/08 Annual Conference Awards memo, it may not have been clear who is eligible to be nominated for Unclassified Employee of the Year.

Just to clarify, those who can be nominated include any Unclassified Employees, on- and off-campus, and include any regular or term employees, including instructors, with a rank below assistant professor. Basically, these are Unclassified Employees (but not faculty) who help get things done within our state-wide system.

Unclassified employees of K-State Research and Extension in any of the five colleges (Agriculture, Arts and Sciences, Engineering, Human Ecology, and Veterinary Medicine, if they are paid partly or fully by K-State Research and Extension) on-campus and those working in Agronomy Fields, Research locations, Research-Extension Centers, or as Watershed Specialists, etc., off-campus are eligible.

If you have further questions, please contact Steven Graham. --Steven Graham sgraham@k-state.edu

THANK YOU FROM ERNIE MINTON
Friends and colleagues across KSRE, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for the many expressions of sympathy following the death of my father. Your cards, e-mail messages and kind words of encouragement continue to be tremendously supportive to my family and me. It is a privilege to work with all of you. --Ernie Minton eminton@ksu.edu

THANK YOU FROM DANNY ROGERS
I greatly appreciate all the cards and e-mails expressing sympathy and offering words of encouragement following the death of my father. Dad had been in failing health, so while his passing was sudden, it was not totally unexpected. Thank you all again for your thoughts and prayers. --Danny Rogers drogers@ksu.edu

KYLF WORKSHOP PRESENTERS NEEDED

The Kansas Youth Leadership Forum will be held at Rock Springs 4-H Center, near Junction City, Kansas in November. Teens, ages 14-18, are the primary audience. We are looking for one hour workshops focusing on some aspect of leadership. The workshops will be held Saturday, November 22, 2008 and will begin at 8:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 2:15 p.m.

We are extending our workshop proposal deadline to Monday, July 21. A letter with details and a proposal form can be found on the 4-H website, http://www.kansas4h.org/Events/KYLF/Default.htm .

Please contact Beth Hinshaw with questions. --Beth Hinshaw bhinshaw@ksu.edu

UPCOMING EVENTS
The K-State Research and Extension Horticulture Center Field Day will take place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, July 26, at 35230 West 135th in Olathe, KS. For more information, see Field Day .

The Kansas Turfgrass Field Day will be held Thursday, August 7, from 8:30 a.m. until noon at the Rocky Ford Research Center (1700 Barnes Rd., Manhattan, KS). For more information, download Kansas Turfgrass Field Day brochure . --Christy Dipman cdipman@ksu.edu

LAST CALL FOR 2008 KANSAS 4-H AND FFA STATE WHEAT SHOW SAMPLES
The 2008 show is in Great Bend on Friday, August 8, from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at the Barton County Community College Technology Building, 245 NE 30 Road. The wheat show is open to all 4-H and FFA members, family members, 4-H leaders, Extension staff and Vocational Agriculture staff. There will be eight contests open to youth members with cash prizes awarded.

Remember that your wheat samples are due to K-State on July 18 so testing can be completed before the show. Contact Deryl Waldren for details on how to mail your wheat samples at 785-462-6281 or e-mail him at dwaldren@ksu.edu .

Pre-registration is required for an accurate meal count and for tour divisions by August 1. Registration is preferred on the Kansas 4-H website registration system, www.kansas4-h.org . Click on “Register for 4-H Events, and Kansas State 4-H & FFA Wheat Show.” For details, visit: http://4-h.k-state.edu/Events/WheatShow/Default.htm . For those with no computer connections, contact Berny Unruh for food count by August 1 at 620-793-1910. --Deryl Waldren dwaldren@ksu.edu

WORDS FROM THE DIVERSITY PROGRAMS OFFICE
It has been an exciting and fast pace summer for the Diversity Programs Office. Throughout the summer the Diversity Programs Office (DPO) has been involved with programs such as Kauffman Scholars, First Tee, and the American Royal.

The Diversity Programs Office also has been assisting and advising three undergraduate diversity research students who are participating in the annual K-State Research & Extension Summer Research Program. Laura Whitaker comes to us from Tuskegee University. Her advisors are Dr. Tanda Kidd (Human Ecology) and Dr. Randy Phebus (Food Science). The other two research students, Jarielle Fluellen, Fort Valley State University; and Kristen Walker, University of Maryland Eastern Shore; engage in Animal Science and Stem Cell research. Both students are working with Dr. Duane Davis and research assistant Teresa Rathbun.

The Diversity Programs Office in the College of Agriculture wishes to invite the college at-large to attend the presentations of the three research students. The presentations will take place at 9 a.m., July 23, 2008, in Waters Hall room 137.

We are also pleased to have James Millsap from Kansas City, Kansas, president of MANRRS (Minority in Agriculture Natural Resources and Related Sciences), and Krista Perkins from Overland Park, Kansas, president of NSBE (National Society of Black Engineers) working with us this summer in our efforts to create a more diverse university overall.

If you need any additional information or have any questions, please feel free to contact the Diversity Programs Office located in Waters Hall room 137, phone number 785-532-5793. "Enjoy and continue to have a great summer!" --Zelia Wiley zwh@ksu.edu

NEBRASKA-KANSAS COLLABORATION ON AGING ISSUES: INVITATION TO JOIN PROJECT TEAMS
WHAT:
Three project teams have been formed as a result of the joint Nebraska-Kansas retreat on aging issues held this past April. These teams bring together educators and agents from the Nebraska and Kansas extension systems to develop, implement, and evaluate programming in aging.

The three project teams are: Aging in Place, Social, and Financial. These teams and the issues under each one are loosely defined at this time as we are entering the beginning stages of this collaboration. You have an opportunity to join us on the ground floor and create the mission, goals, and outcomes of the project teams. We are inviting anyone with an interest in these areas to join us!

WHO:
KSRE professionals with interest in aging issues and who are willing to become involved with the development of programming in aging are invited to join one of the project teams.

HOW:
To indicate your interest in joining a project team, please e-mail Deb Sellers at dsellers@ksu.edu . Please include which project team you have an interest in joining (aging in place, financial, social). We ask that you respond no later than August 1, 2008 in order to facilitate planning…although you are welcome to join us at anytime along the way.

You will then be contacted by an interim co-chair from the project team that you have joined. These co-chairs will bring together all the members of that project team for an initial conference call in late August or early September, 2008. Each project team will discuss items related to mission, communication, current programming resources, and other topics.

If you have any questions or comments about the project teams, please feel free to contact me at 785-532-5773, dsellers@ksu.edu . --Debra M. Sellers

SYMPOSIUM ON SUSTAINABILITY OF BIOFUELS PRODUCTION AND PROCESSING
On September 16, we are sponsoring a one-day symposium on the sustainability of biofuels production and processing. The purpose of the symposium is to disseminate technical information regarding the sustainability of biofuels production and processing. Presentations will summarize existing technical information, ongoing research, and technological challenges for the future on topics such as:

1) socio-economic impacts of biofuels production and processing;
2) environmental impacts, including water quantity and quality and greenhouse gases;
3) utilization of distillers grains and impacts for feeders; and
4) future directions and challenges.

The afternoon program includes four panel discussions:

1) Issues Surrounding Livestock Production
2) Issues Surrounding Grain Production
3) Issues Surrounding Cellulosic Ethanol Production and
4) Food vs. Feed vs. Fuel.

A more detailed program is available on the KCARE website at www.oznet.ksu.edu/kcare/ . Information on registration and a final program will be available about August 1. --Bill Hargrove bhargrov@ksu.edu

MARKETING MINUTE - INTERESTS AND INVOLVEMENT
In a telephone survey conducted for K-State Research and Extension in Summer, 2007, 70 percent of Kansans said they were "very interested" in health and nutrition issues; and 68 percent said they were "very interested" in environmental preservation issues. About 80 percent said they were "very" or "somewhat" interested in not only those two topics, but also community development; home and family; lawn and gardening; and youth development.

The same survey showed that the highest number of Kansans are "very" or "somewhat" involved in health and nutrition (81 percent) and home and family (78 percent) activities. In order, the same group said they were also involved in lawn and gardening (69 percent); youth development (56 percent); environmental preservation (55 percent); community development (54 percent); agriculture (35 percent); and 4-H (21 percent).

The results indicate strong opportunities for K-State Research and Extension to reach Kansans who have interest in areas beyond their direct involvement. One approach may be to make sure that participants in a program also receive information about all of the programs offered at the local office.

Learn more about K-State Research and Extension's marketing strategies by visiting our marketing blog, http://ksremarketingminute.blogspot.com/ . --Pat Melgares melgares@ksu.edu

WOMEN'S HEALTH MATTERS WORKSHOP AND LUNCHEON TO BE AUGUST 9
A special event is being planned for Manhattan area women to learn about current women's health issues while enjoying a delicious and healthy lunch.

Women's Health Matters will be at 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 9, at Pottorf Hall in CiCo Park. Registration will be followed by two breakout sessions and then lunch and a keynote speaker. A health fair will be set up throughout the event and go until 2 p.m. Prizes will be given away.

Manhattan family physician Debra Doubek, MD, will give tips on wise fast food choices and weight maintenance during her keynote presentation, "What's Eating You?...Or What Are You Eating?"

The two breakout sessions will offer the same three presentations for participants to choose from. They are, "Eating Healthy on a Budget" by Sharolyn Jackson, K-State Research & Extension Specialist; "What to do in Manhattan that doesn't cost much" by Allie Lousch, Sunset Zoo Marketing and Development; and "Let's Talk About Sex" by Kyanna Kuntz, Certified Nurse Midwife, Irwin Army Hospital.

The health fair will include body composition and blood pressure tests, a massage therapist, and informational exhibits.

Cost is $3, or $5 for two ladies. Advance registration is requested by Monday, July 21, but may be accepted a bit later. Registration forms are available on the Web at www.rileycountyks.gov or by calling Julie Gibbs at the Riley County Manhattan Health Department, 776-4779 ext. 274.

This event is being coordinated by representatives of American Heart Association, Family Connections, K-State's Johnson Center for Basic Cancer Research, Manhattan Business and Professional Women, Mercy Regional Health Center, Riley County K-State Research & Extension, and the health department. --Marcia Locke www.k-state.edu/cancer.center

VIEW THE MASTER SCHEDULE OR ADD NEW ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS

To view the complete Master Schedule online or as a pdf, go to http://129.130.72.154/MasterSchAdd/ Submit corrections to previously submitted items to cthomas@ksu.edu .

DATES TAKEN FROM THE MASTER SCHEDULE FOR JULY 24 THROUGH JULY 30, 2008:

Wednesday, July 23, 2008, Bedding Plant Field Day, KSU Research and Extension Center, Olathe, Dr. Alan Stevens alans@ksu.edu

Thursday, July 24 thru Saturday, July 26, 2008, Clark County Fair, Ashland, Taner Gillum tgillum@ksu.edu

Thursday, July 24 thru Sunday, July 27, 2008, Shawnee County Fair, Topeka, Leroy Russell lrussell@ksu.edu

Thursday, July 24 thru Monday, July 28, 2008, Kingman County & 4-H Club Fair, Kingman, Lisa Long llong@ksu.edu or Kim Cerny kcerny@ksu.edu

Thursday, July 24 thru Monday, July 28, 2008, Riley County Fair, Manhattan, Andrea Schmidt aschmidt@ksu.edu

Thursday, July 24 thru Monday, July 28, 2008, Neosho County Fair, Erie, Krista Harding kharding@ksu.edu or Tara Solomon tsolomon@ksu.edu

Thursday, July 24 thru Monday, July 28, 2008, Wilson County Fair, Fredonia, Cheri Nelsen cnelsen@ksu.edu

Friday, July 25 thru Monday, July 28, 2008, Nemaha County Fair, Seneca, Megan Cassidy mcassidy@ksu.edu

Friday, July 25 thru Monday, July 28, 2008, Greenwood County Fair, Eureka, Jeff Davidson jdavidso@ksu.edu

Friday, July 25 thru Thursday, July 31, 2008, McPherson County 4-H Fair, McPherson, Shawna Mitchell smitchel@ksu.edu

Friday, July 25 thru Sunday, August 3, 2008, Douglas County 4-H / FFA Free Fair, Margaret Kalb, mkalb2@ksu.edu

Saturday, July 26 thru Wednesday, July 30, 2008, Butler County Fair, El Dorado, Melissa Thimesch mwarren@ksu.edu

Saturday, July 26 thru Saturday, August 2, 2008, Anderson County Fair, Garnett, Nancy Schuster nschuste@ksu.edu or Shannon Blocker sblocker@ksu.edu

Sunday, July 27 thru Wednesday, July 30, 2008, Wabaunsee County Fair, Alma, Sara Mays smays@ksu.edu

Sunday, July 27 thru Thursday, July 31, 2008, Chase County Fair, Cottonwood Falls, Mike Holder mholder@ksu.edu

Sunday, July 27 thru Friday, August 1, 2008, Gove County 4-H Fair, Grainfield, Tressie Mitzner tmitzner@ksu.edu

Sunday, July 27 thru Saturday, August 2, 2008, Labette County Fair, Oswego, Keith Martin rkmartin@ksu.edu or Jean Rowland jrowland@ksu.edu

Monday, July 28 thru Wednesday, July 30, 2008, Graham County Fair, Hill City, Karen Shepard kshepard@ksu.edu or Chris Petty cgp@ksu.edu

Monday, July 28 thru Friday, August 1, 2008, Ellsworth County Fair, Ellsworth, Brent Goss bgoss@ksu.edu or Jamie Rathbun rathbun@ksu.edu

Monday, July 28 thru Friday, August 1, 2008, Jackson County Fair, Holton, Jody Holthaus jholthau@ksu.edu or Nancy Nelson nnelson@ksu.edu

Monday, July 28 thru Saturday, August 2, 2008, Stevens County Fair, Hugoton, Nancy Honig nhonig@ksu.edu or Thomas Roberts troberts@ksu.edu

Tuesday, July 29 thru Saturday, August 2, 2008, North Central Kansas Free Fair, Belleville, Barb Hurley bhurley@ksu.edu

Monday, July 28 thru Saturday, August 2, 2008, Thomas County Fair, Colby, Clint Milliman milliman@ksu.edu or Diann Gerstner diann@ksu.edu

Tuesday, July 29 thru Saturday, August 2, 2008, Washington County Fair, Washington, Glenda Keller gkeller@ksu.edu or Ross Mosteller rmostell@ksu.edu

Tuesday, July 29 thru Saturday, August 2, 2008, Wyandotte County Fair, Kansas City, Peggy Berrier Boyd pboyd@ksu.edu

Wednesday, July 30 thru Saturday, August 2, 2008, Overbrook Osage County Fair, Overbrook, Mary Richmond frichmon@ksu.edu

Wednesday, July 30 thru Saturday, August 2, 2008, Rush County Fair, LaCrosse, David Coltrain coltrain@ksu.edu or Denise Appel dapple@ksu.edu

Wednesday, July 30 thru Saturday, August 2, 2008, Crawford County Fair, Girard, Jimmie Mengarelli jmengare@ksu.edu

Wednesday, July 30 thru Saturday, August 2, 2008, Wichita County Fair, Leoti, Belinda Oldham boldham@ksu.edu or Allen Baker abaker@ksu.edu

Wednesday, July 30 thru Sunday, August 3, 2008, Coffey County Fair, Burlington, Janae McNally jmcnally@ksu.edu or Cade Rensink crensink@ksu.edu

Wednesday, July 30 thru Sunday, August 3, 2008, Pottawatomie County Fair, Onaga, Glenn Brunkow gbrunkow@ksu.edu or Angela Abts aabts@ksu.edu

Wednesday, July 30 thru Tuesday, August 5, 2008, Central Kansas Free Fair, Abilene, Jill Martinson martinso@ksu.edu

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