IN MEMORY OF 9/11:
It has been six years since the world witnessed one of the worst terrorist attacks in history. We all remember where we were and what we were doing. Many of us know someone or of someone that in some way was affected. I want to encourage you to take a moment to remember all the people of that time.
FOCUS ON FACULTY:
- I am appointing George Ruyle to represent Cooperative Extension on the Coordinated Resource Management (CRM) Executive Council. He and I participated in a very productive CRM Task Group meeting in August 24. George brings a wealth of experience and insight to CRM as both a professor and Extension specialist in the School of Natural Resources . I appreciate his willingness to serve.
- Congratulations to Susan Pater , Dean Fish , Jeff Schalau and Rob Grumbles who have just become co-investigators on a USDA rural development grant titled “Emerging Business Opportunities in Rural Arizona and the Need for a Business Opportunity Network.” The project is designed to establish the framework for development of a business opportunity network in rural Arizona and identify new demands for goods and services that are associated with population growth and change in our rural areas. The project is directed by Tucson-based UA professor, Lay Gibson, and in partnership with county Extension programs.
- Bob Peterson has authored an article in the most recent addition of the Journal of Extension . The Journal is the official refereed journal for Cooperative Extension System since 1963 and helps share Extension programs and ideas nationally as well as provide faculty and staff with opportunities for scholarly productivity. Congratulations, Bob!
- Congratulations to George Frisvold for receiving the Quality of Communication Award for his chapter contribution to “Regulating Agricultural Biotechnology: Economics and Policy.” – “Bt Resistance Management: The Economics of Refuges.” The award was given by the American Agricultural Economics Association ( AAEA ) at their 2007 AAEA Awards Program in Portland , Oregon on July 31.
2007 CALS & EXTENSION STAFF IN-SERVICE REGISTRATION NOW OPEN:
It's time for CALS staff to register for this year's Staff In-Service, "Getting Back Your Giddy Up." The meetings will take place on Thursday, October 11 from 10:45am-5:00pm for all CALS staff at the Tanque Verde Ranch ( 14301 E. Speedway Blvd. ) and on Friday, October 12 , from 8:00am-1:30pm for Extension staff at the Hilton Tucson East ( 7600 E. Broadway Blvd. ).
The planning committee has an outstanding group of speakers lined up including a keynote by Tom Potter on the magic of laughter and breakout sessions by Sue South, Vanessa Stanford, Heather Ottenbacher and Lynne Tronsdal. Breakout sessions will include topics that impact staff including: leadership, nutrition, and dealing with change. For day two, Extension staff will have sessions on computer security, record retention, working in a multigenerational workplace, and some lead and non-lead staff round table sessions.
Everyone is encouraged to dress for the location in jeans and/or Western wear and to wear comfortable shoes. To register, go to http://ag.arizona.edu/dean/inservice/poster.pdf . The registration deadline is September 24 (or September 20 for out-of-town Extension staff).
COMPETITIVE GRANT OPPORTUNITY :
The Arizona Community Vitality Initiative Workgroup is making available three competitive grants, ranging from $500-$1,000, to promote university and community partnerships in community vitality/community development. A university community partnership is required. Matching funds are encouraged but not required. The deadline for submission of electronic applications is September 28 at 5:00 p.m. A call for proposals/application is available at http://cals.arizona.edu/extension/download/Vitality_Initative_Grant.doc . For more information, contact either Cathy Martinez (520-836-5221 x203) or Dan McDonald (520-626-5161 x106).
DRIVING UPDATE FROM RISK MANAGEMENT:
Eligibility for state insurance coverage applies when an individual (employee or volunteer) is engaged in an authorized activity or service that is part of university business or an official activity. If the scope of an authorized event includes transportation of youth as part of the programmed activity, then driving for that purpose would be university business and therefore covered by university insurance. If transportation of youth is incidental to the programmed activity, as a favor or convenience to youth and/or their parents, then it is not university business. This arrangement is a private transaction of the driver, and they would be responsible for the activity and any insurance claims. If there is an expectation that an individual will drive on university business as part of a programmed activity, then the driver must meet eligibility requirements, pass a motor vehicle record check, and have a current insurance card on file for their personal vehicle.
WESTERN REGION TEACHING SYMPOSIUM:
CALS Office of Academic Programs is sponsoring the Western Region Teaching Symposium (Educational Excellence: Rooted in Research), September 21-22 , at the UA Memorial Student Union. I encourage Extension faculty to explore participation in this teaching program. Dr. Dave Cox will cover the registration fee. Session topics at the symposium will be “Teaching With Flair,” “Applications for Effective Teaching & Learning,” Brain-Based Research: Messages for Teaching,” “Preferences in the Classroom: The Contribution of Learning Styles and Multiple Intelligences to Student Learning,” “Creative Learning,” and “Problem Solving.” For more information, registration and a downloadable pamphlet, go to http://cals.arizona.edu/aed/wrts/ or contact the Office of Academic Programs (520.621.3612).
NEW PUBLICATION:
There is a new CALS publication that has been posted: Youth Physical Activity Lesson Plans with contributions from Marilynn Johnson , Vanessa A. Stanford , Robin Cameron Cooper , Scott Going , Kim Gressley , Daniel McDonald , Linda Masters , Curtis Peters , Brent Strickland and Darcy Tessman .
UPCOMING EVENTS & DEADLINES:
- Cotton Insect Losses Workshop , Wednesday, September 12 , 11:00-2:30, Yuma County Extension Office ( 2200 W. 28 th Street, Suite 102 , Yuma ). Includes lunch. For more information, contact Kurt Nolte (928.726.3904).
- Chile Field Day , Wednesday, September 26 , 10am-3pm, Curry Farms, Pearce. This event is sponsored by the New Mexico Chile Association and the Curry Farms and Seed Company. Lunch will be included. To attend, RSVP to Jaye Hawkins (505.522.4074). If you have questions or need immediate assistance, contact Jeanine Castillo (505.202.8728). Questions regarding the program can be directed to Stephanie Walker .
- Pest Management Field Day, Thursday, September 27 , 9:30-1:00, Yuma Ag Center, 6425 W. 8 th Street, Yuma. For more information, contact Kurt Nolte (928.726.3904).