MAY/JUNE 2005 ESP Newsletter; Edition Number 100
Epsilon Sigma Phi The Cooperative Extension Professionals' Organization
What do you hope to get from attending a national conference? If your answer includes cutting-edge knowledge, skill development, opportunity to recognize and share scholarly research, networking, and time for personal growth, then the 2005 ESP National Conference being held in Colorado Springs from November 9 - 12, 2005, promises to be a rich experience for your professional development and personal enrichment.
Topics of concurrent sessions recently selected by members of the ESP Professional Development Committee focus on leadership development, program development and evaluation, new communication tools and technology, public issues, and administration and organization. The committee is working diligently to provide a program that continues to meet the needs of all Extension professionals. The sessions will be arranged so those interested may follow a program track in Program Delivery or Emerging Leadership. A specialized life member track will offer topics such as travel and financial issues. Abstracts of the concurrent sessions can be viewed on the ESP web site after June 1, 2005.
ESP National Committee workshops are additional opportunities for learning, skill development and sharing. Conference attendees who hold leadership positions at the chapter level can develop their skills and share ideas for chapter development by participating in a workshop for chapter leadership. Every participant is encouraged to attend the regional business meeting and national council meeting to learn more about the benefits of their ESP membership and to play an active role in their professional association.
Another highlight of the conference is a poster session with authors present in conjunction with the Opening Reception. The scholarly work of several Extension professionals will be showcased and you will be able to visit with the presenters.
On Wednesday, November 9, 2005, you will be introduced to the history and culture of the host state. The Zeta Chapter local planning committee members have developed several outstanding Conference tours for your personal enrichment. History enthusiasts may choose the "Historic Sites Tour," that will take you to historic Manitou Springs, Colorado City, and one of the oldest active potteries in America. Those participants who want to experience a present day version of the historic "Gold Rush" can sign up for the "Go for the Gold" Gambling Tour, which will take them to Cripple Creek, CO. For the nature lovers, there is the "Scenic Adventures Tour" which travels to Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods, with a stop at the Air Force Academy. Another choice is the "Royal Gorge Bridge and Park Tour" which travels through scenic Red Rock Canyon and Canyon City. More details are provided in the registration information.
So, make plans now to enrich your Extension career and personal life in 2005 with "Colorado Gold!" Encourage your colleagues to participate, too. Deadline for the early bird registration fee of $375 is August 15, 2005. Registration information is available on the ESP web site: http://espnational.org.
GALAXY III LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY
There are two leadership positions to be filled for the Galaxy III Conference to be held in 2008 in Indianapolis, IN. Two ESP members are needed to serve on the general conference planning committee. It will require attendance at planning meetings in Indianapolis and availability for committee conference calls. Travel costs for the committee members will be paid. Requirements for consideration will be that you attended the Galaxy II Conference in Salt Lake City and have previously attended a National ESP Conference. Interested individuals should send a letter of interest along with a letter of support from their Extension Director to James Hovland, National ESP President, by July 1, 2005. Selection will be made by the National Board and the selection will be announced by mid-July.
EXPECT AN EXCITING SCHOLARSHIP AUCTION
Laurel Kubin, Chair, 2005 Scholarship Auction
The 2005 scholarship auction at the 2005 National Conference in Colorado Springs is already shaping up to feature very nice items you'll want to bid on! Just imagine yourself obtaining the winning bid for three nights lodging for up to six people in a beautiful condo overlooking Lake Dillon, just an hour west of Denver, in the great Rocky Mountains. In the summer, biking and hiking are exceptional in the surrounding area. In the winter, Lake Dillon is close to Keystone, Copper Mountain, and Vail ski areas.
Each chapter is asked to bring at least one or two quality items that will raise funds to support the excellent scholarships that national ESP funds. Start planning now for the items you'll bring that represent your state and its culture. Items should be valued at $30 or more. Your Zeta Chapter hosts are also acquiring some very special auction items such as the vacation stay mentioned above.
It's an auction you won't want to miss. Van and Vanna will tease your bidding spirit!
2005 MINI-GRANTS AWARDED
Four mini-grants have been awarded for 2005. They are:
Alabama: Teaching Healthy Lifestyle Habits through Games and Laughter. Rebecca M. Dollman, Alpha PI Chapter President, is the Project Leader.
Indiana: Citizen Board Development. Thomas N. Jordan, Alpha Lambda Annalist, is the Project Leader.
Missouri: University of Missouri Extension - Moving Together Into the Future. Barbara B. Casady, Alpha Tau Chapter Professional Improvement Chair is the Project Leader.
Wisconsin: Enhancing Community Building & Leadership Skills for WI Cooperative Extension Staff. Linda Kustka, Alpha Sigma Chapter President is Project Leader.
Each chapter is receiving $1,000 to assist in the implementation of their project. The chapters have up to 12 months to complete their project. Look for reports on these mini-grants in future ESP Connection newsletters and at the 2006 National Conference. The next opportunity to apply for mini-grants will be in 2006.
PUBLIC POLICY/ISSUES CONFERENCE PLANNED
Michael McKinney , FL, ESP Representative on the NPPE Planning Committee
Extension educators and other professionals who work on public policy issues will have the opportunity to sharpen their skills in five topic areas at the 2005 National Public Policy Education Conference, September 18-21 at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City Hotel in Arlington, Va.
The Conference will emphasize the process of public policy development in the Washington, D.C. area. One entire day of the conference will focus on one of four issues: Nutrition, Obesity and Food Policy, Rural Governance, Environmental Conflict Resolution and Litigation, and Issues for the 2007 Farm Bill.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Extension educators and other professionals who work with citizens and stakeholder groups on issues related to the food system, rural communities, and agriculture.
HOW TO REGISTER: You may print out the registration form and return it by fax or mail, or you may register online.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE 2005 NPPE CONFERENCE: Log on to http://www.farmfoundation.org/ and go to National Public Policy Education Conference and click on 2005 Washington, D.C.
While the specific topics may differ, public policy issues often are complex, crossing a range of academic disciplines. These issues are frequently surrounded by controversy, contributing to a contentious and politically diverse atmosphere. It is the responsibility of the public issues educator to provide objective information on these issues for the public to use in decision making. This conference will give you the tools to be an effective educator in the arena of Public Policy. Don't delay, plan now to be a part of this dynamic learning opportunity.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY ANNOUNCED
Bob Ohlensehlen, Past National President, ID
In keeping with our commitment to diversity, the Membership Recruitment and Retention Committee has obtained funding from the national board for 4 - $500 scholarships which will be offered to Extension faculty of 1890 or 1994 land grant institutions where these institutions are not already a part of Epsilon Sigma Phi in their states.
The purpose of the scholarships is to encourage the inclusion of the Extension faculty in these sister institutions so that they participate in our national conference and may see the benefits of membership in a professional development organization such as Epsilon Sigma Phi.
The qualifications to be considered for the scholarships are as follows: 1) applicant must not be from an 1890 or 1994 institution who participates in the ESP chapter within the state, 2) applicant must be nominated by or have the signature of the ESP Chapter President within their state and 3) submits an application to be considered for the scholarship using the form available on the ESP website http://espnational.org.
It will be important for ESP members in those states who have 1890 and 1994 institutions that are not already participating in the chapter in their state to help identify prospective applicants and to encourage individuals to apply. Since our network is largely limited to existing chapter members, we will probably have no applicants unless a concerted effort is made to identify good candidates.
Applicants will submit their applications to Mark Russell, Chair of the Member Services Committee, and applications will be due by August 1, 2005. The scholarships will be awarded to applicants by September 1, which will allow the recipients to attend the 2005 national meeting in Colorado Springs November 8-13, 2005.
GIVE BACK TO EXTENSION THROUGH ESP
David S. Ross, Chair, Board of Trustees, Development Fund
ESP has been creating new ways to support members in their professional development. As these programs are implemented, funds are needed to support them. The ESP Development Fund Campaign is building this endowment. Help support Extension faculty moving into the future by giving back, contribute now to the Development Fund Campaign. Details are available on our website or by contacting the National ESP Office. Can you give $25 per year for 4 years? We have over $118,000 in new money pledged and are almost half way to our goal!!! Please do your part!!
Chapter presidents will be contacted soon on details of a new campaign effort.
Contact David S. Ross, Chair, Board of Trustees, Development Fund, at dsross@umd.edu, 301-405-1188.
EPSILON SIGMA PHI 2005 NATIONAL CONFERENCE
"ESP - COLORADO GOLD"
~ Tentative Agenda ~
Tuesday, November 8, 2005
8:00 - 5:00 National Board Meeting
Wednesday, November 9, 2005
7:00 - 6:00 Registration
8:00 - 5:00 Pre-Conference Tours (cost includes lunch)
12:00 - 5:00 Exhibit & Poster Setup
6:00 - 8:00 Poster Session with Authors Present
6:00 - 8:00 Welcoming Reception
Thursday November 10, 2005
7:00 - 12:00 RegistrationFriday, November 11, 2005
7:00 - 8:30 Breakfast {Retirees & 1st Timers (By Invitation) -- All Others Are On Their Own}
8:30 - 10:00 Regional Meetings (NC, NE, S, W)
9:00 - 4:30 Exhibit & Poster Viewing
10:00 - 10:30 Break
10:30 - 12:00 General Session
Welcome and Air Force Color Guard w/ Falcon
Speaker--Dr. Evan Vlachos
12:00 - 2:00 Lunch (on your own)
12:00 - 3:00 Optional Tours
12:15 - 1:45 Past National Presidents' Luncheon (By Invitation)
2:00 - 3:00 Concurrent Session I (A, B, C, Leadership Training)
3:00 - 3:30 Break
3:30 - 4:30 Concurrent Session II (D, E, F, G, H)
4:45 - 5:00 Load Buses for Dinner
5:30 - 9:00 Group Dinner at Flying W
7:00 - 6:00 Registration
7:00 - 8:15 Breakfast (on your own)
7:15 - 8:15 Chapter Presidents' Continental Breakfast (By Invitation)
8:30 - 10:00 General Session III (Speaker--Mr. David Remson)
10:00 - 10:30 Break
10:30 - 11:30 Concurrent Session II (I, J, K, L, M)
11:30 - 1:30 Ruby Luncheon and Lecture
1:30 - 2:30 Concurrent Session IV (N, O, P, Q, R)
2:30 - 3:00 Break
3:00 - 4:00 JCEP and Committee Presentations
6:00 - 7:00 Pre-Auction Reception (with cash bar)
7:00 - 9:00 Dinner & Auction
Saturday, November 12, 2005
7:00 - 9:00 Breakfast (on your own)
8:00 - 9:00 Registration
8:00 - 9:45 Committee Meetings
9:45 - 10:15 Break
10:15 - 12:00 General Session 3 (Speaker--Ms. Mary LoVerde)
12:00 - 4:00 Lunch & Optional Tours (on your own)
1:30 - 4:00 National Council Meeting
5:00 - 6:00 Reception (with cash bar)
6:00 - 9:30 Recognition Banquet
Sunday, November 13, 2005
8:00 - 12:00 Breakfast and Post-Conference Meeting - National Board
REGISTRATION FOR HOTEL
Hotel Reservation for the Broadmoor can be made by calling 1-800-634-7711 and asking for the ESP Conference Room Block. Hotel charges are $117/night for single or double occupancy and $140 for triple and/or quad. The Broadmoor has an additional daily service charge of $14/day/room.
TOUR INFORMATION - 2005 EPSILON SIGMA PHI CONFERENCE
NOVEMBER 9 - 12, 2005
BROADMOOR HOTEL, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO
Wednesday, November 9, 2005
"Go for the Gold" Gambling Tour
Cripple Creek, high in the Colorado Rockies, offers a wealth of old-time and modern day fun. Experience the excitement of the 1890s "Pikes Peak or Bust" gold rush to the present day Las Vegas style casinos. During your visit you can tour the museums, study 1890s style architecture, shop for antiques or fine art, or play games of chance in a variety of Cripple Creek's casinos.
TIME: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
20 PERSON MINIMUM
$65.00 PER PERSON
INCLUDES TRANSPORTATION, $15 CASH COUPONS, LUNCH AT A LOCAL RESTAURANT AND A SOUVENIR
Historic Sites Tour
Visit historic Manitou Springs, Colorado's first resort. Native Americans recognized the healing powers of the local springs thus wintered there to rest and rejuvenate. Enjoy a visit to the Miramont Castle, a private home built in 1893. It currently is dedicated to preserving the Victorian heritage of the region. See the Glen Eyrie Castle, the original home of General William Jackson Palmer founder of Colorado Springs. A short drive takes you to Colorado City, the first capital of the Colorado Territory. You will learn about the city's 150 year history by visiting the Old Colorado City History Center. The last stop will be Van Briggle Pottery, one of the oldest active art potteries in America, where you will be given a studio tour and see artisans at work.
TIME: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
20 PERSON MINIMUM
$65.00 PER PERSON
INCLUDES TRANSPORTATION, ADMISSION, TOUR GUIDE AND LUNCH
Scenic Adventures Tour Visit Pikes Peak, Americas Mountain, was so named because it rises, solitary and majestic out of the Great Plains. Discovered in 1806 by Zebulon Pike it rises 14,110 above sea level. You will travel up the mountainside aboard one of the last true cog railway trains in America. At the summit you will feel at the top of the world! After lunch in the Manitou Springs area you will visit the Garden of the Gods, a gallery of amazing red rock sculptures created more than 300 million years ago by violent geological forces. Fantastic formations jut skyward at heights of over 300 feet. The final stop on the tour will be the 18,000 - acre United States Air Force Academy. You will view Diamond Lil, the B-52 bomber, visit the exquisite 17-spired, interdenominational chapel and the new 3.9 million-dollar visitors' center.
NOTE: Please plan to bring a warm winter coat, hat and mittens and your camera!
TIME: 8:15 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
20 PERSON MINIMUM
$65.00 PER PERSON
INCLUDES TRANSPORTATION, TOUR GUIDE, COG RAILROAD TICKET AND LUNCH.
Royal Gorge Bridge and Park
The Motor Coach travels from Colorado Springs, past Fort Carson and NORAD through scenic Red Rock Canyon and Canon City. The Royal Gorge was formed by erosion over the millennia to a depth of 1,055 feet by the turbulent waters of the Arkansas River. The Royal Gorge is spanned by the highest suspension bridge in the world. You can walk out onto the bridge and look down to the river below and experience two thrilling rides, the aerial tram the world's longest single span aerial tram 1100 feet above the canyon floor and the incline railway the worlds steepest incline railway. If you are uncomfortable with heights you can visit the Mountain Man encampment and petting zoo, watch Street Theater performances, enjoy the Plaza Theater and Historic Display or ride the carousel or Silver Rock Railway.
TIME: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
20 PERSON MINIMUM
$65.00 PER PERSON
INCLUDES TRANSPORTATION, ADMISSIONS AND LUNCH
Saturday, November 12, 2005
Colorado City Lunch and Shopping Tour
Travel to Old Colorado City, originally the capitol of the Colorado Territory and host to the wildest men of the West. Today, the town is a charming, friendly neighborhood of specialty shops, galleries, boutiques, cafes and restaurants. Enjoy brick sidewalks, shady trees and 100-year-old buildings during your lunch and shopping tour!
TIME: 11:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
20 PERSON MINIMUM
$20.00 PER PERSON
INCLUDES TRANSPORTATION. LUNCH IS ON YOUR OWN
Golf at the Broadmoor
Take advantage of a unique opportunity to play at the site of the 2008 U.S. Senior Open! Rated number one in customer service by Gold Digest, the original course of 1918 was updated and expanded by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. A third course designed by Arnold Palmer is being renovated by Jack Nicklaus. The setting is beautiful and the terrain is ideal and we'll have clear weather close to 60 degrees!
TIME: 1:00 to 4:30 p.m.
$95.00 PER PERSON
INCLUDES COURSE FEE, PRACTICE RANGE AND CART.
Mountain Hike Tour
Lace up your hiking shoes and join a group exploring one of the beautiful trails around the Broadmoor Hotel property. Please plan to wear warm layers of clothing that you can adjust to accomodate for changing fall weather conditions.
TIME: 1:00 p.m. Departure
$5.00 PER PERSON
INCLUDES WATER, SNACKS AND TRAIL GUIDE
FAMILY AND RETIREE WORKSHOPS
2005 ESP CONFERENCE, NOVEMBER 9 - 12, 2005
BROADMOOR HOTEL, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO
Thursday, November 10
Sportfishing - More than Just Catching a Fish
Presenters: Perry Brewer and Eldon Fisher, Area Extension Agents, Youth, Golden Plains Area,
Colorado State University Cooperative Extension
The Sportfishing workshop will provide opportunities to learn or enhance your fishing skills through hands-on activities such as angling skills, aquatic ecology, tackle crafting, folkways and ethics. Fishing is not only a great recreation it can improve family communications! Fishing takes you away from the distractions of everyday life and puts you in touch with each other. This quiet time creates the perfect environment for listening, talking and helping kids build self-esteem, self-confidence and self-respect.
TIME: 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
$25 PER PERSON
Historic Tour of the Broadmoor
Presenter: Broadmoor Historian
Join your tour guide as she conducts a walking tour of the Main Complex. You will learn about the many colorful, larger-than-life figures that were instrumental in the building of this historic property.
TIME: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
$25 PER PERSON
MAXIMUM: 20 PEOPLE
Friday, November 11
A Wild Look at Colorado Wildlife
Presenter: Daniel Einarsen, Extension Agent, Natural Resources & Agriculture, Arapahoe County,
Colorado State University Cooperative Extension
Visit an 1830s Rendezvous, during the days of the trapper and mountain man. Try your hand at identifying Colorado wildlife skins, skulls, tracks, antlers and scat. Walk through a large display of wildlife species common to Colorado and the Rocky Mountains. Learn some steps in tanning a furbearer skin or big game hide.
TIME: 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
$25 PER PERSON
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is America's only mountain zoo. It houses over 650 animals including more than 30 species of endangered animals. Visit such areas as the Wolf Woods, Primate World, Asian Highlands or visit the giraffes, elephants or bears in their own natural habitats. Enjoy breathtaking views of Colorado Springs and the mountain scenery.
TIME: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
$25 PER PERSON
INCLUDES ADMISSION, WATER AND SNACKS
Saturday, November 12
Fun With GPS!
Presenters: Jay Whaley, Extension Agent, 4-H, Routt County,
Colorado State University Cooperative Extension and select teens
How in the World can a little box communicate with satellites to pin point an exact location of where you are on the earth? What does that mean to you? You can learn about GPS, how to navigate and mark points using one. Learn a few games and some practical application of GPS around the farm, your community or while recreating.
TIME: 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
$25.00 PER PERSON
TOOLS OF THE TRADE
Mary Ellen Waltemire, University of Maryland Cooperative Extension
Regional Extension Director and ESP Professional Development Committee Member
There have been many personal help books available over the years; ones that promise quick fixes to almost any dilemma in your professional and personal life. By far the one that I have found most useful recently, has been FISH! Making the Wall Street Journal Business Best Seller list, it certainly is a quick read for anyone interested in boosting morale and improving results. The authors, Stephen Lunden, Harry Paul and John Christensen, describe their work as offering wisdom that is easy to grasp, instantly applicable and profound!
As they describe it, the four ingredients to a successful workplace include:
Choose Your Attitude- there is always a choice about the way you do your work-even if there is not a choice about the work itself. With regard to attitude, imagine if you were world famous… your approach to your work, may indeed be a bit different than if you were just ordinary!
Play and be successful. Let the kid in you come alive. Enjoy the work that is sometime tedious; take pride in what you do and the way you do it. Smile, laugh and act a bit crazy as you accomplish life's work.
Make Their Day is the third ingredient. This one is all about creating memories with our clientele, colleagues and customers through engaging them in educational programs and events. It's always about promoting an atmosphere of inclusion.
Finally, Be Present - focus on the customer or colleague you're with at the moment. Be really there, when people need you the most.
What practical useful advice from a group of fish mongers!
ESP BOARD SELECTS INVESTMENT CONSULTANT
Mark Gateley, Chair, Resource Development Committee
I am pleased to announce that Patten and Patten, Inc. of Chattanooga, Tennessee has been selected by the ESP National Board to manage ESP's invested dollars. The selection is the result of a nationwide search for an investment consultant that began in December of 2004. Patten and Patten has a strong history of working well with non-profit organizations like ESP. They will manage ESP assets by investing them according to guidelines provided by the Board, which assures a low risk placement in the markets.
A seven percent or more average annual return is ESP's goal for the investment. Proceeds of the investment help to provide many opportunities to ESP members and chapters.
WORKING INTERNATIONALLY, ONE THING LEADS TO ANOTHER
Jeff Olsen, Oregon State University Extension Horticulturist and ESP Global Relations Committee Member
When Winrock International called me on the phone in the winter of 2000 and asked if I would accept a "Farmer to Farmer" volunteer assignment to work on apples in Tajikistan, I told them that I would consider it and get back to them. I had filled out an application for volunteering many years ago. This assignment was not right for me, but one thing leads to another.
I went to the Winrock International website: http://www.winrock.org/ to learn more about their organization. While at the site I found an opening for a volunteer assignment in India for someone to work on walnuts. This assignment involved a crop that I work with and an area of the world that intrigues me. I called the Winrock recruiter back and respectfully declined the Tajikistan assignment, then asked to be considered for the walnut project in India. One thing leads to another.
In June of 2000 I traveled to India to with Winrock International to help start a walnut industry in the Himalayas. I worked with NGOs and farmers in a temperate zone region between 4,000 and 9,000 feet elevation. Because of the ecological shift at the higher elevations this area in India can grow the same crops that we can grow here in Oregon.
I returned to India with Winrock in 2002 in time to receive a shipment of donated trees from a nut tree nursery in California that we worked with. I was able to design and plot out variety trials of the donated trees. The project to start a walnut industry in that part of India is off and running. I hope to make a return trip to advance the project and revisit my good friends and colleagues. Working internationally, one thing leads to another.
LEADERSHIP POSITION AVAILABLE - EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY!
Bob Ohlensehlen, Past National President and Chair of Nominating Committee
Are you looking for the opportunity to exercise your leadership abilities and to develop additional leadership skills? Are you interested in working with some of the outstanding individuals in your field? Are you willing to work for the improvement of your profession? Are you willing to serve the members of a large professional organization?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then you are the person that we are looking for to serve as the next officer to serve the Western Region as Second Vice President for Epsilon Sigma Phi.
As an officer in Epsilon Sigma Phi you will serve a four year term on the national board. You will serve the last three years of your term as a representative on the JCEP Board of Directors. The JCEP Board holds meetings twice per year.
During your term you will attend three ESP Board Meetings annually. The mid-year board meeting is usually held in March or April. The second board meeting is held the day prior to the ESP National Conference. The third board meeting is held the day following the national conference. Normally there are six conference calls held throughout the year.
During the four year period you will serve the first year as Second Vice President and the Chapter Relations Committee Chair. The second year will be spent as the President-Elect and as Professional Development Committee Chair. During your year as President-Elect you will attend the regional meetings on behalf of the national board. The third year is spent as president where you will travel to the other Extension association's national meetings. The final year you will serve as past president and Chair of the Membership Recruitment and Retention Committee.
To apply for this position, you must be a member from the Western Region, be in good standing in your chapter and have the support from your Director. For further information check the ESP handbook Section J which can be found at the website http://espnational.org under the handbook button or you may contact Bob Ohlensehlen, Past National President at BobNMS@cableone.net or by phone at 208-736-6081.
2005 PILD Scholarship Recipients
Randy H. Brooks, Idaho
Trudy M. Rice, Kansas
William C. Rice, Indiana
Alfred F. Trappey, Louisiana
Visit http://espnational.org/05conf.htm for more information!