Vol. 15, No. 16  February 24, 2009

IN THIS ISSUE... 

...Word from the Associate Director - Extension and Applied Research
...Retirement Incentive Through Board of Regents
...KPERS and KP&F Retirement Seminars for 2009
...Local Unit Publications Allocation
...4th Friday Conversations for Youth Development
...HealthFest 2009! Will Feature University of Texas Catch and Health Rocks!
...Master 4-H Volunteer Training
...Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP) Proposals Due March 2
...The First Annual "Kansas River Valley Local Foods Meet and Greet!"
...Participate in Walk Kansas
...Rally Obedience Day for 4-H Dog Care and Training Leaders, Judges and Members
...Green Solvent Practices Seminar
...KAP Training Session, Friday, March 20
...4-H Citizenship in Action!!!
...Diversity Programs Office Update
...Communication Minute: Hide and Seek - The Grammar Edition, Part 1
...Old Noseprint Cards Just Need Fee Change
...Communities and State to Benefit from Engagement Incentive Grants from K-State's Center for Engagement and Community Development
...Master Schedule

                                                                                                           ...Tuesday Letter Archives

WORD FROM THE ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR - EXTENSION AND APPLIED RESEARCH
I heard the question asked and the rumor is out wondering if Spring Action Conference is going to happen. The simple answer is MOST DEFINITELY. The dates are April 6-8 in Salina. But, I know several might still wonder why, using budget as the excuse to ask. And, maybe down deep some may be wondering if it is ever important enough to spend time planning.

If you have an Extension responsibility and believe your clientele has issues, needs, and opportunities, then it would seem prudent for you to have a vision and 3 or 4 action plans that would assure success in educating the clientele who really need that knowledge base. Few of us can successfully accomplish our mission in isolation. Instead, we depend on each other to bring the comprehensive knowledge needed for good decisions by our clientele. Thus, there is purpose for sharing our vision and ideas for an action plan at Spring Action Conference.

Our clientele deserve the very best in Extension educational programming focused on issues, needs, and opportunities they are facing in uncertain times. Are we all clear on the priority programming, intended outcomes, and commitments to developing educational resources, events, and strategies that will bring the knowledge to the people who need it? Do we know what our colleagues are thinking, developing, and doing in response to the current situations facing the clientele? Have we thought through how our contributions fit in the larger plan towards a larger impact?

Spring Action Conference is designed for Extension agents and specialists to discuss the needs, issues, and opportunities of the clientele; to lay out educational resource needs and opportunities that address the issues; and to make commitments towards meeting those needs that are immediate and in the plan for the future. Ultimately, Spring Action Conference will help to gain focus for Extension agents and specialists to develop action plans that will provide the road map to address critical, relevant issues and needs both locally and statewide.

It is time to register for Spring Action Conference . Scroll down and click on the agenda and registration. Have a great week. --Daryl Buchholz dbuchhol@ksu.edu

RETIREMENT INCENTIVE THROUGH BOARD OF REGENTS
(The following message was sent out by Provost Nellis and Vice President Shubert)

The Board of Regents recently passed policy that allows state universities the ability to offer qualified unclassified employees an early retirement incentive. This new program would allow the university to pay a lump sum when both the university and employee agree that retirement is beneficial. The payment amount is based on the cost of the employee’s State health insurance plan direct bill premium. Note that this option is only available for consideration by employees who are on State Health Insurance. Employees on federal health insurance do not qualify.

This program is another resource available for our use in assisting our long term employees with their retirement planning.

Please contact Human Resources for more information about early retirement programs. --Daryl Buchholz dbuchhol@ksu.edu

KPERS AND KP&F RETIREMENT SEMINARS FOR 2009
Each spring, KPERS specialists host pre-retirement seminars for members nearing retirement. If you are within five years of retirement, this seminar will provide general information to start your planning. Topics include: Planning for retirement, Choosing your retirement date, How your retirement benefit is calculated, Steps in the retirement process, Retirement benefit payment options, Options for continuing group life insurance, State and federal income taxes, Working after you retire.

All seminars are scheduled from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Attendance is free, but you must pre-register. Registration is at http://www.kpers.org/preretirementseminars.htm .

The seminars are being held at 40 locations across the state. All locations are listed on the website. --The Division of Human Resources

LOCAL UNIT PUBLICATIONS ALLOCATION
FY 2009 publications allocations for local units of K-State Research and Extension have been made and are available for local units to use. FY09 Allocated funds that are not expended by FY 2011 (the end of June 2010) will be forfeited. --Daryl Buchholz dbuchhol@ksu.edu

•  for ADULTS: University of Texas training of he nationally recognized CATCH Kids Club afterschool/recreational curriculum, and
• for YOUTH (ages 14-19): National 4-H Health Rocks! training of youth trainers.

MASTER 4-H VOLUNTEER TRAINING
Master Volunteers extend the reach of the agent, increase the quality of the 4-H program and provide additional opportunities for youth. The annual training for 4-H Master Volunteers will be March 20 - 22, Rock Springs 4-H Center. The deadline for registering for the Training is March 1. Full information is at http://4-h.k-state.edu/Volunteer/MasterVolunteer.htm . --Rod Buchele rbuchele@ksu.edu

AGRICULTURAL WATER ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM (AWEP) PROPOSALS DUE MARCH 2
Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP), a new program, is authorized under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) in the 2008 Farm Bill. U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will implement AWEP by entering into partnership agreements with eligible entities to conserve ground and surface water or improve water quality, or both, in their region.

Entities eligible to enter into partnership agreements include federally recognized Indian Tribes, states, units of local government, agricultural or silvicultural associations, or other groups of such producers, such as irrigation associations, agricultural land trusts, or other nongovernmental organizations that have experience working with agricultural producers. All federal funds awarded through these agreements will be paid to producers. No federal funds may be used to cover administrative expenses of partners. Nationally, $58.4 million is available for AWEP financial assistance. The NRCS Chief may give higher priority to proposals located in several regions, including the Ogallala Aquifer.

The following link, http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/awep/ , contains complete information, including the Federal Register notice, on submitting a proposal, requirements, ranking considerations, and agreements. A letter of review from the NRCS State Conservationist must be included. Eric B. Banks is the State Conservationist for Kansas. His office address is NRCS, 760 South Broadway, Salina, Kansas 67401; FAX 785-823-4540. --Steven M. Graham sgraham@k-state.edu 

THE FIRST ANNUAL "KANSAS RIVER VALLEY LOCAL FOODS MEET AND GREET!"
This will be held Monday, March 2, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., at the Douglas County Extension Office, Dreher Building, 2110 Harper Street, Lawrence, Kansas.

Chefs and institutional buyers: Are you looking for fresh locally grown foods?

Kansas River Valley farmers and ranchers: Would you like to meet institutional food buyers and chefs to explore business opportunities?

Then come to this event and learn about our growing local foods industry to make connections!

Our keynote speaker is Kamyar Enshayan, who will talk about his successful local foods work in Black Hawk County, Iowa. Other presenters will talk about the successes, trials, and tribulations of "local" in Kansas. Afternoon breakout sessions will feature chefs, stores, schools, and alternative brokers/buying clubs and their growers. Lunch will allow for networking between buyers and growers; buyers take a seat as growers move from table to table, with both parties exchanging information/bios/business cards.

Registration is $25 and includes lunch and snack. You can download the registration form and find more information at http://www.kansasrivervalley.com/meet-greet.php . --Christy Dipman cdipman@ksu.edu

PARTICIPATE IN WALK KANSAS
Walk Kansas is a team-based program that can help you lead a healthier life by motivating you to increase physical activity, make better nutrition choices, and deal with stress more effectively. The program begins March 8 and concludes May 2. To learn more about Walk Kansas, go to www.walkkansas.org . This new website provides program details and contains a wealth of information on healthy living. Registration is easy - just contact your local Extension Office.

If you have questions or need more information, contact Sharolyn Jackson, sharolyn@ksu.edu . --Sharolyn Jackson

RALLY OBEDIENCE DAY FOR 4-H DOG CARE AND TRAINING LEADERS, JUDGES AND MEMBERS
Rally Obedience Day will be March 14, at Pottorf Hall in Manhattan. Registration for the Rally O Workshop, Fun Trial and Judges Training is due March 6 and March 7. Check it all out on the State 4-H website, www.Kansas4-H.org under "What's Hot."

The Dog Care and Training Project Action Team meeting will be at 2 p.m. --Jim Adams jadams@oznet.ksu.edu

GREEN SOLVENT PRACTICES SEMINAR
This seminar and vendor show will feature new technologies, materials, and process changes that can help you $ave money and reduce emissions to the environment! Learn about new air quality permits and MACT standards. Test your spray gun technique in a virtual paint booth and network with other industries and vendors. The event is March 10, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Wichita. Read more at http://www.sbeap.org/workshops.php?workshop=14 . --Nancy Larson nlarson@ksu.edu

4-H CITIZENSHIP IN ACTION!!!
Last week 235 Kansas 4-H members, volunteers and agents convened in Topeka for the fifth annual state 4-H legislative event. Due to positive word-of-mouth referrals, excellent promotion by agents, and a strong interest in current legislative issues, registration was nearly double previous years!!!  The previous 4 year average had been 125 participants from 32 Extension Units. This year participants came from 57 Extension Units.

Nancy Peterson with K-State Research and Extension News has written a great feature story about the event. Agents with youth attending the event may wish to provide a picture of their delegation and promote the story with their local newspaper.  It’s available on the KSRE News site at http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/news/story/kids_ideas022009.aspx .

Dan Donnert, K-State Research and Extension News Photographer, took lots of pictures and has put together an excellent audio slide show about the event. It may be viewed at http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/news/slides/citizenship/index.html .

On behalf of the members of the Kansas 4-H Youth Leadership Council who plan the event, we want to thank everyone who was involved and assisted with various portions of this growing educational experience! --Justin Wiebers jwiebers@ksu.edu

DIVERSITY PROGRAMS OFFICE UPDATE
As Black History Month draws to a close, I hope you all have gotten a chance to participate in the events hosted by the Black Student Union. There are still a few events left in the month; to see them please visit http://www.k-state.edu/ddcd/BlackHistoryMonth2009.pdf .

The Wallace Kidd Award Ceremony sponsored by MANRRS was held on February 11, in the Kansas State Student Union. The award was given to Reggie McGowan posthumously. It was accepted on his behalf by his wife, Juanita McGowan. Reggie received his M.S. from the College of Agriculture and was an Associate Vice-President at Kansas State University.

If you would like more information on any of the aforementioned events, please contact your Diversity Programs Office or Dr. Zelia Z. Wiley, Assistant Dean for Diversity, at zwh@ksu.edu  or 785-532-5793. Please do not hesitate to use us as your diversity resource center. --Zelia Wiley

COMMUNICATION MINUTE: HIDE AND SEEK -- THE GRAMMAR EDITION, PART 1
Even if your job title isn't "writer" or "editor," you probably are, at least part of the time. Due to our experiences, we each develop pet peeves - usage errors that impact us as much as nails screeching on a chalkboard. While it's sometimes useful to browse style manuals, dictionaries, and other references to learn about the finer points of grammar, we usually just need a quick, straightforward answer. But correct usage of some terms is hard to remember. Over half of the manuscripts I edit contain the same common errors. Based on my experience making the same edits repeatedly, I think a quick review is in order.

Five often misused terms occur (incorrectly) in the previous paragraph. Did you spot them?

Examples of correct usage will appear in next week's Tuesday Letter. --Jennifer Alexander jennalex@ksu.edu

OLD NOSEPRINT CARDS JUST NEED FEE CHANGE
The Department of Communications Distribution Center staff continues to receive inquiries regarding previously printed noseprint cards (MG30 and MG33).

As Sharon Breiner noted in the recent Kansas 4-H Tip Sheet, new cards are not required. To use the old cards, just hand-correct the fee from $3 to $6. There are no other changes.

The new noseprint cards will be available from the Distribution Center in late March, however, we encourage clients to conserve financial and other resources by using the old cards. If you need to cancel or change an order already placed via the May 2009 Order Form, please contact the Distribution Center by March 4, by e-mail, orderpub@lists.oznet.ksu.edu ; fax, 785-532-7938; or phone, 785-532-5830. --Nancy Zimmerli-Cates nancyz@ksu.edu

COMMUNITIES AND STATE TO BENEFIT FROM ENGAGEMENT INCENTIVE GRANTS FROM K-STATE’S CENTER FOR ENGAGEMENT AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
MANHATTAN – A statewide project evaluating health care for the underserved, a Shakespeare workshop for high school teachers, a healthy snacks initiative, and a learning garden for a Manhattan elementary school are the four projects that will be funded by K-State’s Center for Engagement and Community Development. Center Director David Procter announced the following projects that received funding:

Northeast Kansas: "Development and Promotion of Healthy Snack Products for School Children" is a collaborative project of K-State professors Sajid Alavi, Koushik Adhikari, Tandalayo Kidd and Nancy W. Muturi. This project will address obesity and lack of fiber in daily diets by engaging the problem at its roots, middle school children. The team plans to determine attitudes toward nutritive snacks, develop grain-based nutritive snacks, evaluate nutritive snacks and develop an outreach program with the snack processing industry and northeast Kansas middle schools regarding processing challenges and health benefits of nutritive snacks.

Manhattan: "Design and Development of the Northview Elementary Learning Garden," is under the leadership of assistant professors Katie Kingery-Page and Jon D. Hunt. They will work with the Kansas State University Department of Landscape Architecture/Regional & Community Planning along with the Northview Learning Garden committee to develop the schematic design into more specific plans for a new, child-friendly, learning garden at Northview. Rhonda Janke, horticulture specialist and associate professor for KSU Department of Horticulture, Forestry, and Recreation, will serve as a consultant on the project. Riley County Extension will also provide advice and consultation. Kingery-Page and Hunt see this as a new opportunity to engage with Manhattan Public Schools on a potentially high profile and educationally significant project.

Statewide: "Measuring and Analyzing Efficiency of Safety Net Clinics," will be led by David Ben-Arieh and John Wu, both from the Department of Industrial and Manufacturing System Engineering at Kansas State University. Safety net clinics provide health care to underserved populations in the state of Kansas. This study will utilize information collected by the Kansas Association for the Medically Underserved and will provide an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of each safety net clinic to help the clinics improve.

Statewide: "Summer Institute: Camp Shakespeare," will be led by Donald Hedrick, professor of English at Kansas State University in cooperation with fellow K-State theatre professor, Charlotte MacFarland, along with two faculty from Manhattan High School, Mary-Kris Roberson and Linda Uthoff. The week-long workshop will provide eight to ten Kansas high school literature and drama teachers throughout the state an opportunity for a week of intensive and active experience combining Shakespeare’s theatricality and language, play study and performance. Project leaders hope the workshop will create new teaching techniques for high school language arts teachers, as well as foster more understanding at the university level of the previous preparation and the needs of students when they arrive on campus.

The K-State Center for Engagement and Community Development works with campus and extension professionals across the state to leverage campus resources to address important issues in communities across Kansas. The next call for proposals will be due April 1, 2009. --Dan Kahl dankahl@ksu.edu

VIEW THE MASTER SCHEDULE OR ADD NEW ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS

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