The Tuesday Letter
Agricultural Experiment Station & Cooperative Extension Service
Tuesday, February 03, 2015
(Vol. 21 No. 13)
IN THIS ISSUE...
WORD FROM THE ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR - EXTENSION AND APPLIED RESEARCH
Partnership meetings were completed this past week. I hope I conveyed 3 key messages to the board members and Extension professionals in attendance:
1. Plan for change and "look farther than you can see." 2. Function like K-State Research and Extension is one system. 3. Focus on contributing to solutions to Kansas' Grand Challenges.
Our future depends on each of us striving to be better tomorrow than we are today, and we've got to work to be comprehensive in our programming coverage. The system will function best when all parts are supporting each other! No one program area by itself can "float the boat."
A special thanks to the Program Development Committee task force for their great preparation, presentations, and
participatory learning experiences for everyone. You can find the great set of resources the task force put together at this website. To support Extension agents in utilizing
program development committees as advisories in the best possible way,
additional training is planned in early April. Note the description of the training and locations coming up in the
section below entitled "Engaging Program Development Committees."
As part of the Partnership meetings, we conduct State
Extension Advisory Council member elections. Those elected to the Advisory
Council for 4 year terms beginning immediately include:
Larry Justice, representing the metropolitan counties. Larry
is from Olathe, Johnson County.
Larry Lintner, representing the northeast area. Larry is
from Atchison, Atchison County.
Marvin Beesley, representing the northwest area. Marvin is
from Gove, Golden Prairie District.
Jim McClung, representing the southeast area. Jim is from
Winfield, Cowley County.
Dave Twiner, representing the southwest area. Dave is from
Pratt, Pratt County.
We greatly appreciate the nominees for each of these
positions on our State Advisory Committee. We also recognized those persons
completing their terms with the Committee, including:
Carolyn Harms, representing metropolitan counties. Carolyn
is from Wichita, Sedgwick County.
Loren Snell, representing metropolitan counties. Loren is
from Topeka, Shawnee County.
Bob Standage, representing northwest area. Bob is from
Colby, Thomas County.
Gary Thompson, representing southeast area. Gary is from
Quenemo, Frontier District.
You can find a listing of all current State Extension
Advisory Council members at the SEAC Board Leadership website.
Have a great week! - Daryl Buchholz dbuchhol@ksu.edu
MASTER OF MEMORY (MOM) TRAINING
Date: February 20, 2015
Time: MoM – 10 - noon; PFT session 1:15 – 3 p.m.
Place: KSU Salina Campus, Salina, Kansas
Registration Due: $2.00 - February 6
Many of you heard Pat Gerhart say at August FCS Update that in her Extension career, the program, “Master of Memory,” is one of the most popular and most effective classes she has given. Several agents have inquired about teaching this program or at least getting the information to help build a base of knowledge. In order to present the class or receive materials, training is required.
The author of the program, Andy Crocker, Extension Program Specialist, Gerontology and Health, Texas AgriLife Extension Service, has agreed to come to Kansas and present the training. To accommodate Andy’s schedule the training will be held Friday, February 20, 2015. The training will run from 10 a.m. to noon. He will then meet with the Adult Development and Aging PFT in the afternoon (1:15 pm) to discuss issues around aging. Everyone is welcome to stay for the afternoon session. The day will end about 3 p.m.
To register for the training, please notify Anna Muir, amuir@ksu.edu, and register by February 6. For a brief overview of the MoM program see below.
Overview of Master of Memory:
“Master of Memory” is a 6-part series developed by Texas A&M Extension designed to help people improve their memory skills by paying closer attention and using all their senses (sight, hearing and kinesthetic) to retain information.
Overall concepts:
Exercise your mind by...
*Try new learning styles.
*Vary the activities you find challenging.
*Have a conversation with someone else frequently.
*Reinforce memory strategies that work for you while trying new and different memory strategies.
Exercise and take care of your body by:
(reinforce healthcare provider needs to be consulted first)
*Exercise helps strength, balance, flexibility, and endurance.
*Physical activity improves the quality of your sleep, appetite, and mood.
*Get sufficient sleep.
*Follow a nutritious diet.
*Handle stress in a positive manner
Lesson 1: Am I Losing My Mind?
Memory loss is not “normal” aging.
Two types of intelligence - fluid and crystallized.
Three types of learners - auditory, visual and kinesthetic.
Three basic types of memory - sensory, short-term and long term.
Lesson 2: Memory Strategies
Concentration Association Repetition Relaxation
Lesson 3: Nutrition and Memory Function
Diet (food, nutrition and water) can affect brain function.
Proper blood flow to the brain may be impacted by diet.
Nutritional supplements may not be all they’re cracked up to be.
Lesson 4: Medication and Memory Function
Prescription and over the counter medications may affect memory.
Caffeine, nicotine and alcohol can affect memory.
Importance of discussing medications with health care providers.
Lesson 5: Medical Conditions and Memory
Physical and mental illnesses may affect memory.
Social isolation may affect memory.
Many illnesses that affect memory are treatable or reversible.
Lesson 6: Exercise for the Body and Mind Review
Regular physical activity is important for both physical and mental health.
--Anna Muir amuir@ksu.edu
KANSAS TO HOST CENTRAL PLAINS IRRIGATION CONFERENCE FEBRUARY 17-18
The 2015 Central Plains Irrigation Conference and Exposition will take place February 17-18 at the City Limits Convention Center, Colby, Kansas. The popular annual event focused solely on irrigation-related topics is hosted in Kansas every third year. Sponsors include Kansas State University, Colorado State University, the University of Nebraska and the Central Plains Irrigation Association.
On the conference side of the event, technical session topics include the crop water budget, optimizing crop water productivity in a variable climate, sensor technologies for irrigation management, advancements in subsurface drip irrigation and center pivot irrigation, updates on groundwater issues and crop options for deficit irrigation.
Bob Gillen, head of tri-center operations for K-State Research and Extension’s Western Kansas Agricultural Research Centers, will present the first day general session on lessons from 100 years of agricultural research in northwest Kansas. Ajay Sharda, assistant professor in K-State’s Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, will lead a general session about the potential of technology and precision agriculture on the second day of the event.
The conference includes a menu-driven program, so participants can choose what to attend during the two days. The exposition will allow for industry representatives and irrigators to interact.
For a full list of sessions and presenters and the registration form, visit http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/sdi/REvents/CPIAprog.html. Registration is $100 per person. The fee covers access to technical and general sessions, the exposition and on-site meals. For more information, contact Donna Lamm at 785-462-7574 or donnalamm@yahoo.com. --Danny Rogers drogers@ksu.edu
HEALTHY YOU: A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP
 According to the National Sleep Foundation, 71% of American adults do not get the recommended 7-8 hours of sleep needed for good health, safety, and optimum performance. Sleep is not a passive event - a variety of physical and metabolic changes occur while you are at rest. From learning and memory improvement to nervous and immune system regeneration, sleep is as important to adults as it is to growing children. Sleep deprivation is also linked to increased risk of developing health problems, including obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
Examine your daily habits to set the stage for improving your sleep. During the daytime: surround yourself with bright light after awakening, avoid napping during the day, limit caffeine after 2 p.m., don't smoke, and avoid exercise before bedtime as exercise releases stimulating hormones. Create a better sleep environment by keeping the bedroom clutter free, dark and free from electronics that produce light. Establish a pre-sleep ritual that might include a warm shower, soft music, meditation or relaxation exercises. Try the 5-7-9 breathing exercise: inhale through the nose to a count of 5, hold for 7 seconds, and exhale through your mouth to a count of 9. Sweet dreams! --Denise Sullivan dsulliva@ksu.edu
FLINT HILLS VOLUNTEER FORUM
SATURDAY, February 28, 2015 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. MORRIS COUNTY COMMUNITY BUILDING 614 HWY 56 (1 1/2 MILES EAST OF COUNCIL GROVE) SCHEDULE:
9 - 9:15 ... Registration/ Ice Breakers/ Light Breakfast 9:15 - 9:30 ... Welcome 9:30 - 10:30 ... Key Note Speaker– Dr. Emily Lehning 10:30 - 11:30 ... Putting Fun into Meetings 11:30 - 12:15 ... Keep the Teens 12:15 - 1:00 ... Lunch and Social time 1:00 - 1:45 ... Continued Session with Dr. Lehning 1:45 - 2:30 ... Finding Project Leaders 2:30 - 3:00 ... Explore Learning Labs & Tech Trunks 3:00 - 3:30 ... Wrap Up and Evaluations
Register by calling Flint Hills District Extension office at 620-767-5136. --Lori Bammerlin bammerlin@ksu.edu
LISTEN TO THE INAUGURAL HENRY C. GARDINER GLOBAL FOOD SYSTEMS LECTURE
On Monday, January 26, 2015, K-State Research and Extension/College of Agriculture hosted the inaugural
Henry C. Gardiner Global Food System Lecture. Our speaker was Dr. Robert Fraley, 2013 World Food Prize Winner from Monsanto.
Dr.
Fraley was very impressed with the interest of people on our campus surrounding
the Global Food Systems, the attendance at the lecture and the good questions
afterwards.
To watch a video of the lecture, go to www.k-state.edu/globalfood/lecture-series/.
To read the full text of the lecture, go to http://www.k-state.edu/globalfood/lecture-series/FraleyTranscript.pdf.
Dr.
Fraley recorded a very nice YouTube video before he left. You can see it here:
We thank the Gardiner family from Ashland, KS, for endowing our new lecture series. --John D. Floros floros@ksu.edu
MARIE'S PICKS . . .
This week my
picks are some insightful comments from some of our more recent hires:
* I have examined our District’s
demographics and data that I will use to identify and determine our educational
program direction. I also look forward to the support and guidance that the PFT
and PDC will offer. I have used both the Master Calendar and the
Professional Development Catalog in planning.
* I have found several mentors in addition to my
assigned mentor. They have given me great advice, and wonderful constructive
criticism. My PDC has been
wonderful in helping identify local issues that need to be addressed both
proactively and reactively.
* As a result of developing SPIN programming and
implementing these programs in previously underserved areas throughout the
community, education-based, hands-on youth development programming provided
through local extension programming will greater impact youth and families.
* Skills taken from year-round professional
development trainings helped me become a better facilitator, bringing needed
skills and trainings to entities in our area, as outlined by our area Extension
PDCs and Board members. Leadership development has allowed me to bring learned
skills to Extension personnel as well as leaders within local youth development
programs (i.e., teachers, after-school program staff, youth volunteers).
* Over the last year, there have been many changes
with the record book process. I have spent considerable time presenting the new
changes to the 4-H Councils, individual 4-H club meetings, and holding
workshops to assist families with understanding the Kansas Award Portfolio
(KAP). There have been many club leaders and families who have expressed
appreciation of my efforts throughout this transition. One family in particular
expressed they have always been afraid of the record book process and just
opted out of doing it. After attending one of the KAP Workshops, she and her
kids were able to walk through the KAP with me. She expressed that the KAP
wasn't so bad and appreciated the opportunity.
* The 4-H PDC meetings focus more on
activities than programs and that is something that I want to work on for the
next year's programming.
* This year's programming was up and down
for me. I teamed up with other agents to have successful programs. I have
figured out how to give the best program for the community by attending the
planning meetings with other agents and the specialists. When I started I was
doing this without that knowledge. The next year’s programming is already off
to a better start due to planning.
* During this first year, one of my
priorities is to continue relationship building. I joined several community
groups focused on family life, early childhood development/learning.
* The local program will focus on finding
ways to advocate for agriculture. We see the need to inform the consuming
public as well as our producers. --Marie Blythe mblythe@ksu.edu
DIVERSITY PROGRAMS OFFICE UPDATE
The DPO would like to share information about our events: - Special thanks to all who participated in the 11th Annual College of Agriculture Diversity Student Leader Reception. Thank you to Rodney Patterson, CoBank Director of Corporate Diversity and Talent Management Officer, for being this year’s guest speaker. The program was a success! If you were unable to attend but are interested in viewing a recording of the event please follow this link: http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/Seminars/p.aspx?tabid=659.
- The Laying of the Wreaths Ceremony was held on Friday, January 30th at 2:00 p.m. at the Ahearn Fieldhouse at the MLK Bust. Thank you to K-State Research and Extension (KSRE) and the College of Ag for providing a wreath for us to lay. Special thanks for Dean Floros for participating in this ceremony. We ended the week on a very positive note.
The KSU MANRRS Chapter will be hosting a “Kisses from MANRRS” fundraiser on February 5th from 11 - 1 p.m. and February 6th from 11:30- 1:30 p.m. in the K-State Student Union. Stop by to support MANRRS by sending a loved one a carnation and a kiss just in time for Valentine’s Day! For more information about the fundraiser please contact Kay Dyer, kaydyer@ksu.edu. The fundraiser will also serve as a membership drive so if you are interested in more information about MANRRS or want to join.
Wednesday, February 25th at 6 p.m. in Waters Hall 137 the Wallace Kidd Memorial Diversity Award will be awarded to Dr. Don Boggs, Associate Dean, for his outstanding support of the DPO and the KSU MANRRS Chapter. Please RSVP to Carolina Camacho, carolinc@ksu.edu, or 785-532-5791, by Friday, February 20.
Please continue to look for more diversity events as we continue to advertise. We appreciate your support. For more information about upcoming events or to collaborate with the DPO, please call 785-532-5793 or contact Dr. Zelia Wiley, Assistant Dean of Diversity, zwiley@ksu.edu. --Zelia Wiley
THANK YOU FROM THE DIVERSITY PROGRAMS OFFICE
On behalf of Dr. Wiley, Assistant Dean and Director of the Diversity Programs Office, we would like to thank you for making the 2015 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Observance week a great success. We also appreciate Frontier Farm Credit Services who sponsored all of the events that the College of Agriculture/KSRE Diversity Programs Office supported as well as the College of Agriculture departments/units who attended the events during the week of observance. Special thanks to: - The Agriculture Economics department who supported Justine Floyd, senior in Agriculture Economics, on receiving the 2015 Commerce Bank Presidential Award for Diversity.
- Jr. MANRRS from Highland Park High School, Topeka, KS had the honor of attending lunch with Rodney Patterson, CoBank Director of Corporate Diversity and Talent Management Officer, who was the guest speaker of the 11th Annual College of Agriculture Diversity Student Leadership Program and they also attended the 2015 Commerce Bank Presidential Award for Diversity Program.
- Student Leaders Justine Floyd, Tamyia Rowell, Tiffany Carter, Diane Vazquez and Assistant to the Dean Steven Graham for representing the College of Agriculture at the MLK Fellowship Luncheon.
- Dan Donnert and Gerry Snyder for providing photography and video services for the events.
- Black Faculty Staff and Alliance and Alianza for hosting the Social Justice Brown Bag Luncheon.
- Dean Floros and college administrators for participating in the Laying of the Wreaths Ceremony by Ahearn Fieldhouse at the MLK Bust.
Please continue to look for more diversity events as we continue to advertise. We appreciate your support. For more information about upcoming events or to collaborate with the DPO, please call 785-532-5793 or contact Carolina Camacho, Coordinator of the DPO, carolinc@ksu.edu. --Carolina Camacho
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