CIVIL RIGHTS REPORTS:
The Civil Rights Annual Desk Audits that each county must complete are due Thursday, February 1 . Each county must complete one as a part of our plan of work and as are required by the Federal government. In addition, the Annual Affirmative Action Report ( AAP-7 ) was due at the first of the year and we have received very few. Give me a call if you have any questions.
BUDGET CUTS AND EXTENSION PROGRAMS:
You may be hearing rumors of potential budget cuts beginning July 1, 2007. In 2003, when we experienced drastic budget cuts, we listed four principles to follow regarding Extension programs. Those principles were: 1) all extension faculty, regardless of program area, are treated equitably and policies and expectations are applied to all agents; 2) all counties are treated equitably -- our budget plan is based on a formula that is applied equally to all counties; 3) all extension faculty are expected to take statewide leadership roles during their career with Arizona Cooperative Extension and if leadership does not arise from within, this program area with be phased out; and 4) program priorities are directed by clientele, agents, specialists, and administrators, with working groups providing the mechanism to explore new issues and topics and develop programs collaboratively.
EVENT REPORTS:
- The 2007 WR 4-H Forum is now HISTORY! Arizona hosted over 300 youth and adult volunteers and extension professionals from 16 states, American Samoa, as well as our 4-H Military Partners from Osan AFB (Korea), Kadena AFB (Japan), Davis-Monthan AFB (Tucson), Yuma Proving Grounds and our Operation: Military Kids Program. There were 101 workshops presented, 13 commercial exhibitors and vendors on-site, and over 100 items up for bid during our Silent Auction. Core to the event was the support of Extension faculty, staff, and 4-H Volunteers. Special thanks to the following for your contributions to helping make this event such a success: Kim Gressley who coordinated with Roberta Cardona the excellent entertainment and table decorations representing the diversity of the state; Julie Adamcin , along with Lee Dueringer (AZ 4-H Foundation), who coordinated fundraising efforts with corporate sponsors; Curt Peters , who provided technical support, coordinated AV needs throughout the event, and also assisted with the Silent Auction; Jerry Olson for coordinating State Photos and whose organization of and countdown during the Silent Auction led to over $6000 being raised for Arizona 4-H!; Bryan Chadd , Larry Tibbs , Dotty Spears and Carol Noyes who offered their Maricopa County and Phoenix detailed knowledge, expertise, and time on tours, local presenters, vendors, etc.; Cathy Roberts (4-H Foundation) for being on-site to process payment during the Silent Auction; Amy Parrott who worked on fund-raising; Kathy Sands from Davis-Monthan AFB who coordinated the flag ceremony; Jan Norquest for her care and attention to maintaining a fantastic hospitality room; Tina , Teresa , Tony , Glenda , Patti B, Kelly , Xinyu , Sheila , and Sandra from Cooperative Extension who handled registration materials, money, paper processing, lots of communication details, website updates, phone calls, and provided necessary logistical detailed support; and Jim and Deb for their administrative support for hosting the Forum. In addition, there are the numerous 4-H youth and adult volunteers who deserve recognition besides our Forum co-chairs, Mary Ellen Roberts and Linda Stead who were recognized at the banquet.
- The Controlled Environment Agriculture Center (CEAC) put on an outstanding short course and tour this past week. Over 100 participants heard from many of our faculty and staff. A special thanks to Gene Giacomelli and Pat Rorabaugh who MCd the program.
NEW PUBLICATIONS:
A new CALS publications has been posted: Climate Change and Wildfire Impacts in Southwest Forests and Woodlands (Climate Change and Variability in Southwest Ecosystems Series) by Michael Crimmins.
WATER WISE WEBSITE:
Take a look at the new page on Cochise County's Water Wise program's website for information on water usage in Sierra Vista. Click the side button on the home page to take you to a map from which you can access average water use data for that area and the percentage of Water Wise visits to water connections. This page was developed in response to Water Wise sponsors wanting to know if on-site visits influenced water use. As expected, results are inconclusive!
UPCOMING EVENTS & DEADLINES:
- There will be four leadership conferences sponsored by the Joint Council for Extension Professionals (JCEP) from late January through February. The theme for these regional three-day conferences is "Internationalizing the Extension System." I encourage all Extension faculty to consider attending a conference, especially since one of them is in Phoenix. If you or your staff have been involved in international activities (or have worked effectively across cultures here at home), the Council is looking for a few panel members to share their experiences. The date and location for our region is February 6-8 , Phoenix (Western Region). If you have any questions or have someone who could serve on the panel, contact Michael McGirr , CSREES-USDA International Programs (202.205.3739).
- The High Desert Gardening and Landscaping Conference will be held February 15-16 in Sierra Vista. Over twenty presenters will discuss landscaping with native plants, food production and environmental stewardship. A new venue, The Palms, is the site of this year's conference. For additional information and a registration form, go to http://ag.arizona.edu/cochise/mg or contact Rob Call or Joyce Williams (520.458.8278, ext. 2141)..
- The 2007 Southwest Nutrition and Management Conference will be held February 22-23 at the Tempe Mission Palms Hotel & Conference Center . This conference is recognized as one of the largest gatherings of west coast dairy and beef nutritionists, consultants, academics and veterinarians. It is a great opportunity to learn more about cutting edge research with regards to cattle nutrition, metabolism and management as well as a chance to network with key personnel in the west coast dairy and beef industry. A conference brochure, printable or online registration forms, and more information are available at http://animal.cals.arizona.edu/swnmc/2007/ .