Tuesday Morning Notes

March 9, 2004



Please welcome Suzanne Yurasko, Assistant Director in CALS Development and Alumni Office. Suzanne comes to us from the Office of Community Relations.

A question was posed to me about Extension personnel making recommendations to the public. This question was brought up based on a legislative discussion about whether the state or political subdivisions must be licensed to perform public health and vector pest control. As you know, Extension personnel are exempt from Structural Pest Control Commission (SPCC) licensure as either authorized representatives of an educational institution engaged in pest control research OR because they are merely providing information about general labeling, use of registered pesticide, and do not make on site recommendations. It has been the policy of the University to provide options for our clientele. In many instances the clientele might ask, "what would you do in the given situation?" In this case, you might recommend an option, but various mitigating factors are important to consider such as income, health and availability of the product to the client. It is our understanding that SPCC views Extension as a partner in educating and informing the public, even referring to Extension web sites on the SPCC web site. It is SPCC mandate to seek compliance with its laws and rules via education and training, and enforcement when necessary, in areas such as proper application of pesticides, unlicenced pest control, etc. It is our hope that this cooperation and partnership will continue to mature. I trust this somewhat clarifies the situation, but if you have any questions direct them to Paul Baker ( pbaker@ag.arizona.edu )

This year, the state 4-H Teen Congress for youth between 14 to 19 years old will be held on campus between July 13-16. The workshops are presented on Thursday, July 15. We'd love to encourage you to submit a workshop proposal for this year. There are tentatively three tracks being considered, one on leadership and personal growth and development, one on skill or 4-H project development, and a third area on career development. Almost any topic will fit those categories, so, please submit! For more information, contact Sandra Saad at (ssaad@ag.arizona.edu) or Lisa Lauxman, (lauxman@ag.arizona.edu). Application for workshop proposal can be downloaded at http://ag.arizona.edu/4-h/teen.htm

March 5th was Arizona Dairy Day held at the Ag Center in Phoenix State Fair Grounds. There were 68 exhibits, lunch, a bus tour hosted by University of Arizona and UDA Young Cooperators. Thanks to Animal Science, particularly Matt VanBaale for their hard work.

Join the agriculture industry and celebrate Arizona Agriculture Day on March 10 at Heritage Square, 115 N. Sixth Street, Phoenix. You can purchase your $1 meal ticket the day of the event and lunch will be served from 11 - 1:30 pm. Dr. Gene Sander will receive the Friend of Agriculture-Agricultural Advocate award at noon. Contact Pam Justice, pjustice@ag.artizona.edu or 602-470-8086 ext. 333.

The committee to plan the 2004 4-H Volunteer Recognition Gala is in the process of interviewing venues to host the 2004 AZ 4-H Volunteer Recognition Gala. The date is Saturday, October 9. That is National 4-H Week and will ba great time to honor our volunteers. This is also when the AZ Clover Medallion Awards will be given. Also, we will have the opportunity to thank and recognize Arizona's own Beryl Burt who was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame. We are very proud of Beryl and her many, many contributions to AZ Cooperative Extension and the youth of Arizona. The Gala is an opportunity to recognize the outstanding 4-H volunteerism in our state and we look forward to a great evening.

Linda Ffolliott will be offering a five-week distance class on using Fireworks to create web graphics. The class will begin April 28. There is a $20 fee for class materials. For more information on the class or link to the registration form please go to: http://cals.arizona.edu/ecat/classes/fireworks-class.html

UPCOMING EVENTS: March 12 - Graham County Cooperative Extension brings the "Water Wagon" to campus. Parked on the mall between the stage and Old Main, this great vehicle for learning about water, will be open between 9:00 and 1:30. Randy Norton will be available to answer questions.

April 28, 2004 - University of Arizona Water Resources Research Center Annual Conference and the Department of Agricultural Economics Annual Agribusiness Forum are combining in 2004 to present a one day conference on "The Future of Agricultural Water Use in Arizona," 8:00-5:00, Casa Grande. More information will follow.






James A. Christenson, Ph.D.
(jimc@cals.arizona.edu)
Associate Dean and Director
Arizona Cooperative Extension
Forbes, Room 301
Tucson, Arizona 85721
520/621-7205
520/621-1314 FAX