The Pillars of Excellence awards provide recognition to outstanding scholars. Of particular note, the 1994
University Distinguished Outreach professor was Corky Poster and the 1995 recipients were Tim Dennehy (Entomology) and Lay
James Gibson (Geography & Regional Development). Next year it would be nice if we could have a county faculty nominated and
win this award.
In these times of decision packages and elections, we want to remind you that "Extension employees may participate in political
activity as citizens, but must not allow their interest in a particular party candidate or political issue to affect the
objectivity of or the performance of their Extension duties and responsibilities. Employees shall not use, directly or by
implication, the name of the University or their affiliation with the University in the endorsement of political candidates,
initiatives, referendums, or in supporting or opposing a position on other political issues."
We regret to inform you that Bill Brechan, former Coconino Extension Director, passed away on Monday, February 20 in California.
There may be a service in Flagstaff next month. Ed Leviness, former state livestock specialist for Northern Arizona, is the
contact for further information (928-774-6207).
Upcoming Events & Reminders:
There are still spaces available for the Small Steps to Health & Wealth Video Conference on March 2 from 1:00-5:00pm at the
Flagstaff, Maricopa and Pima County sites. The program is no cost and is being sponsored by Cooperative Extension and Take
Charge America Institute for Consumer Financial Education and Research. Small Steps to Health and Wealth is a new national
program that integrates health and financial behavioral change education in one program. Location information and a registration
form are available at: http://cals.arizona.edu/fcs/tcai/sshw/SSHWtrainingbrochure06.pdf. To register for the video conference,
contact Laurel Jacobs (520-626-5161). If you have additional questions, contact Linda Block at
(520-626-5161).
Pima County Cooperative Extension invites you to participate in a unique professional development experience designed by Coconino
County Cooperative Extension to identify gaps and duplications in services, and to foster stronger, healthier families for the
State of Arizona. Consider attending the “Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Simulation Workshop,” on Thursday, March 9, 2006,
8:00am to 3:00pm, at the Inn Suites Hotel in Tucson, Arizona. Registration for the simulation workshop is $35 per person and
CEUs are available. If you are interested, please contact Dan McDonald or Linda Block at 520-626-5161.
The Extension Professional Development Working Group will host a workshop to help enhance management skills. The workshop will
be held on March 29 and 30 at the Grace Inn in Ahwatukee (Phoenix). The workshop will be designed and conducted by organizational
consultants from the University of Arizona Human Resources Department. This interactive workshop will focus on four main management
themes: 1) Building Personal Effectiveness as a Manager (which will include a self assessment of your management style, discussion
on the importance of a positive work environment and reflection on the impact effective management has on staff morale and
quality work); 2) Management Do’s and Don’ts (which will provide an overview of the regulations involved in the hiring and
disciplinary process); 3) Enhancing Communication Skills (which will focus on developing and enhancing positive working
relationships with staff, volunteers, and advisory committees) and 4) Putting It All Together--Delegating, Monitoring and
Evaluating Projects and People (which will address effective management techniques in project delegation, monitoring of
progress and evaluation of results). The workshop will begin at 10:00 am on March 29 and conclude at 3:00 pm on the 30.
Snacks and lunches will be provided on both days. Registration fee is $25 for ALL participants and you can register online
at http://cals.arizona.edu/exact/careerdev/. Registration deadline is March 3. If you have questions, please contact Brent Strickland.