IN MEMORY:
We are sad to report that Woodie Winans , former La Paz County Extension Director, passed away on Sunday evening. There will be a memorial service this Saturday, December 23 at 3:00pm at the Senior Center, 100 Quiroga Drive, Patagonia, 520-394-2494. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the local 4-H Leaders Council or to the 4-H Youth Foundation. There will also be a memorial service in Parker, but details have not yet been finalized. Cards of condolence can be sent to the Winans family at P.O. Box 414, Patagonia, AZ 85624. For more information, contact the La Paz County office at 928.669.9843.
SPECIAL NOTES & REMINDERS:
- This issue of Tuesday Morning Notes will be the last one for 2006. The next issue will be January 9, 2007. Have a safe and happy holiday season.
- A reminder that the University of Arizona campus will be closed from Monday, December 25, 2006 through Monday, January 1, 2007 .
- A reminder that there have been some travel per diem changes in November, such as the mileage rate increase to 44.5 per mile
- We reported earlier this year that there was a proposed USPS rate increase scheduled for January 1, 2007, increasing the cost of first class postage to 42. However, no official notice has been sent out and the latest information we could find on the USPS website indicates they are still proposed. This same site also refers to them as Spring 2007 proposed increases, so it may be a few months before it actually happens.
FOCUS ON FACULTY & STAFF:
- Dr. Joseph Hiller , Assistant Dean for American Indian Programs and member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, was recently selected by President George W. Bush to serve on the President's Board of Advisors on Tribal Colleges and Universities. The Board of Advisors will ensure that tribal colleges and universities have full access to federal and private programs and funds that benefit other higher education institutions. The board will also make recommendations to the President and the secretary of education on ways the federal government and the private sector can help tribal colleges strengthen and expand their resources, programs, facilities and use of technologies. Congratulations, Joe!
- On December 13, the Arizona State Land Department recognized six Cooperative Extension faculty members for outstanding contributions to their rangeland management program. Those recognized were Dean Fish , Robin Grumbles , Kim McReynolds , George Ruyle , Jeff Scha lau, and Jim Sprinkle .
- Eight faculty members have had sabbatical leaves approved as follows: Bonnie Colby (Ag & Resource Economics, January-June 2008), Jim Collins (Vet Sci & Microbiology, 8/1/07-3/31/08), Mike Hauser (Apache County, 5/1-7/31/07 & 11/1/07-1/31/08), Joe Hiller (Native American Programs, 7/1/07-1/1/08), Larry Howery (Natural Resources, 2/19-8/20/07), Vic Jimenez (MAC, 6/4-8/31/07 & 6/2-8/29/08), John Loprowski (Natural Resources, 7/1-12/31/07), Juanita Waits (Maricopa County, 1/1-6/30/07).
Welcome to Candice Rupprecht , our new program coordinator senior for the Master Watershed Steward program. Candice is completing her MS in hydrology and holds a BS in geology, both from the University of Arizona. She has worked as a teaching instructor for the department of hydrology, designing a general education course for non-science majors. She received facilitator training in Project WET (Water Education for Teachers). Her first day on the job is January 2, 2007.
AAEA IN-SERVICE:
I really enjoyed the presentations and overviews provided by over 40 faculty at the Maricopa Ag Center last week. The event was sponsored by the Arizona Agriculture Extension Association In-Service (AAEA). Dave Langston and his family were honored and toasted at noon in light of his long career and retirement. Pat Clay and Russ Radden were thanked for their good work as they move to new pursuits.
OBRIEN ENDOWMENT AWARD CALL FOR PROPOSALS:
A reminder that the 2007 OBrien Endowment Award extended deadline for proposals is Friday, January 5, 2007 . If you plan to submit a proposal, please email Steven Crofts (even if you are not yet ready to submit it).
Proposal guidelines and instructions, information on the endowment gift agreement, and examples of previous award proposals and reports are available at the following links:
- Proposal Guidelines and Instructions
- Endowment Gift Agreement
- Previous Award Proposals and Reports
Please note that this award differs from the Shirley OBrien Diversity Award that was designed to honor individuals who have contributed significantly to the advancement of diversity within the CALS. If you have any questions, contact Jim Christenson (520.621.7205) or Steven Crofts (520.621.7145).
COMMUNICATIONS WORKSHOP:
The Professional Development Working Group is planning a communications workshop for extension faculty in late March in the Phoenix area. In order to plan for the most effective workshop, a short survey has been developed regarding preferred topics for the two days. This quick survey has only two questions; both require that choices be ranked in order of preference. Go to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=437202979687 to complete the survey. The deadline for the survey is tomorrow, December 20 . If you have any questions, please contact workshop co-chairs Monica Pastor or Curt Peters .
VOLUNTEERING REPORT:
The Corporation for National and Community Service has released its latest research report titled " Volunteer Growth in America: A Review of Trends Since 1974 ". This report finds that volunteering in America is at its highest level in 30 years. A link to the report can also be found through our Hot Topics page.
NEW PUBLICATIONS:
There are two new CALS publications that have been posted:
- Biosolids Land Use in Arizona by Janick Artiola
- Management of Forests and Woodlands (Climate Change and Variability in Southwest Ecosystems Series) by Tom DeGomez.
UPCOMING EVENTS & DEADLINES:
The Joint Council of Extension Professionals has announced an invitation to attend the 2007 JCEP Regional Leadership Workshop. A great program focused on "Internationalizing Extension" is planned for each of the four regions. The early bird conference registration fee of $215 is available until January 8, 2007 ($265 after this date). Online conference registration and hotel reservation and conference information are now available. The Western Region workshop will be in Phoenix, February 6-8, 2007. There will be an opportunity to have a poster or share printed materials on international or globalizing Extension resources. You can print a registration brochure or contact the management office (704.333.8445) for additional information. The Regional Workshops are open to all Extension professionals.