tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84031076313832303472024-03-05T01:48:55.832-08:00Coastal Bend AgriLIFE Extension VisionWeekly articles and updates for County Extension Agents in District 11 addressing locally identified issues and focusing on Extension priorities.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17850961002096023118noreply@blogger.comBlogger102125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8403107631383230347.post-1291778495249082792014-06-27T13:07:00.001-07:002014-06-27T13:07:29.455-07:00Happy Friday !!!<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">The Progress Challenge Reveled</span></b></span><br />
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<b><u><i>Progress</i></u></b> means: forward movement , advance , gradual betterment. It takes awareness , character, discipline, and effort to progress. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b> <span style="color: #0b5394;">Change is inevitable.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b>Progress is a choice.</b></span></div>
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The word progress carries a forward thrust and focus, and vibrant and transcendent quality that the words change and even success don't deliver. With every success comes the desire for more success. </div>
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When we focus on daily progress we are able to feel daily satisfaction. With every forward step, we see more clearly, our confidence grows, our passion improves, and our options multiply. We progress toward today's goals on the strength of our pat progress. Once achieved, today 's goal becomes tomorrow's launching pad. </div>
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-----Dean Lindsay, <u>The Progress Challenge</u> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">Texas Rural Leadership Program orientation and
training for County Agents </span></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Extension Agents TRLP Orientation<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">July 8, 2014 and July 9, 2014<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">La Grange, Texas </span></b></div>
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On behalf of
Ronnie McDonald,and Dr. Steel regarding a Texas Rural
Leadership Program orientation and training for County Agents originally geared
to a few pilot counties. Ronnie attended many of the District meetings
last fall and presented information on the Texas Rural Leadership
Program. In working with Dr. Steel, he asked that I ask if there were any more agents that would like to attend the training.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We
have asked that any county agents interested in attending the training to
please respond with their availability so they can be included in the
orientation and training. Dr. Steel will be providing the county
agents with a hotel room for the night of the 8th, meals during the training
and mileage. If you are interested in attending please contact Dr. Elaine Fries or Ronnie McDonald. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Make sure these dates are on your calendar: Regional Program Planning Workshop <u><b>September 3-4, Rosenberg Texas.</b></u> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;">4-H News</span></div>
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We are still working on our Memorandum of Understanding to be presented to our Club Managers for fiscal accountability in reference to their 4-H accounts. We should get clearance to send to you soon. </div>
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4-H Horse Show and Leadership Lab come and gone for another year. I want to thank agents and Meredith for your leadership and professionalism during these two D11 events. For the most part they both went well, we do have to continue to find was to improve both events as to meet the needs of our stakeholders. </div>
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We will be scheduling a parent volunteer input meeting for our District 11 horse show this fall much like we had a few years ago. This will give our 4-H horse parents a chance to provide constructive input to our event and assist our 4-H Horse show management team to provide a better opportunity. </div>
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It was good to go up to the hill country for leadership lab to a different location, I am eager to see the evaluations as to get some feed back for the event. However it is clear that we have a great set of young people in our District and that is a direct reflection on their parents, guardians and you as youth development professionals. </div>
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I also want to thank our three interns Chad, Ashton, and Whitney, for their assistance with lab. I appreciate them being so engaged and willing to participate in preparing for the sessions and assisting their agent mentors. Also appreciate their help at the D11 Horse Show. </div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">4-H Range Day</span> </span></div>
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We have an upcoming deadline for the 4-H Range Day of July 8<sup>th</sup>
– so we have time to make plans! Range Day is August 8<sup>th</sup> at La
Copita Ranch, Ben Bolt, TX. Hope some kiddos and leaders from each of your
counties can make it. Please call or email Dr. Megan Clayton megan.clayton.ag.tamu.edu with any questions.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;">Professional Association Meetings </span></div>
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I encourage you to attend and participate in your respected professional association meetings this summer, this is a great time to interact with agents from across the state and share professional improvement ideas. I have visited with many of your lately and glad you have made plans to attend. Soon it will be our turn to host these important meetings, so keep that in mind as you attend this year so we can host the best meetings in our district in the next few years. </div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;">Personnel News </span></div>
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We have a new agent in Calhoun County, <u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Ms. Katelynn Curry</span></b></u> was approved by the Calhoun County Court yesterday, and will be in CC at our center on Monday for new employee processing. She will first step in Victoria County starting on Tuesday for up to about a month. She starts in Calhoun County at the end of July. Katelynn, is a graduate of Texas A&M University-Kingsville, and a native of Richmond, Texas. Please help me welcome Katelynn to D11 as she will work to provide leadership to the Calhoun County 4-H program. </div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">New Entomologist </span></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Dr. Robert Bowling</span></b></u> has agreed to become the new Extension
Entomologist at Corpus Christi. Dr. Bowling’s first day will be July 1, 2014. Please help me welcome Dr. Bowling to our district. Give him a call if you get a chance next Tuesday. </div>
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<b>"Everybody gets so much information all day long that they lose their commons sense"</b></div>
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<b>--- Gertrude Stein </b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17850961002096023118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8403107631383230347.post-31036589955087467002014-06-06T14:09:00.001-07:002014-06-06T14:09:22.202-07:00Should I Fire My Doctor A few weeks ago at my recent Admin retreat we had two speakers that were excellent, to help us in our daily duties as administrators and of course in every day life, <br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Both speakers were selling books and Dr. Steele provide us each with a copy, <b><u>The Progress Challenge: Working and Winning in
a world of Change</u></b>. is one of the books. A quote from its author, Dean
Lindsay was <i>“Change is inevitable, progress is optional.”</i> We certainly are seeing change in Extension and more to come. Change will happen, but how we deal with it will prove how well we progress. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Another
session we had related to wellness and our speaker was Patsy Sulak, M.D.
She’s with Scott & White and among physicians who believe that
by the time people need a doctor to help them with their health, we’re too late
in providing the type of support and assistance that will truly make a lasting
difference in their health and quality of life. Her book is <b><u>Should
I Fire My Doctor?</u></b> but the context of that question relates to the role
your doctor plays in helping patients makes the changes necessary for a healthy
lifestyle. </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Her book begins with a testimonial from an attorney who was
one of her patients and tells her story about health issues she had that
required frequent medical attention and care. However, the “treatment”
that changed her life wasn’t medical but educational and occurred as a result
of a seminar and subsequent visits with her NEW doctor that helped her make the
lifestyle changes that have significantly improved her health and wellness,
lowered her weight, blood pressure, stress, etc. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"> Dr. Sulak promotes
“eleven essential elements to living WELL aware.” Some are medical in
nature but most as just common sense things we all know but just don’t
practice. @LivingWELLAware ,her twitter username</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><u>I made reference to the book , last week at our region 4-H meeting</u>, I have started reading the book, but her program was so interesting I wrote down her 11 essential elements as she explained them , here they are :</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">1. </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Normal Numbers Now.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"> This was one of the most
important to me and includes blood pressure, weight, BMI, cholesterol, and a
multitude of other “numbers” that need to be normalized. She covered a
range of statistics on disease and death along with research, science, and
facts that were sobering. Most things that happen to us medically are the
result of choices we make. <strong> </strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">2. </span><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Critique Caloric Consumption. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">We put way too much in our mouths
and of the wrong kinds of things too. Very little food to us, in some places could
feed 4 people. Unhealthy intake and their relationship to diseases and
disorders are well documented. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"> 3. </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Make Movement Mandatory.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"> EXERCISE! There’s obviously
more to it than that, but it’s important to move…walking, gardening, anything
that keeps us moving and active</span><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"> </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">4. </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Address Adverse Addictions/Halt
Harmful Habits.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">
These include the obvious, such as tobacco, alcohol, and related substances but
could also include food, social media, and television.</span><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"> </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">5.</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Meticulously Manage Money &
Minutes. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">When
it comes to health, the two most common excuses are the lack of time and
money. Yet, Dr. Sulak says, we spend enormous amounts of time and money
on two things – superficial appearance and seeking entertainment. We
spent lots of time and money trying to grow hair where it doesn’t grow and
removing hair from where it does grow, pedicures, manicures, massages,
coloring, styling, removing wrinkles, applying makeup, piercing &
tattooing, excessive clothing and jewelry, hours of tv and movies, houses,
cars, and pets that exceed our income, and of course facebooking and twittering. We
have time and money for these things, but not for things that promote wellness
and health. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">6. </span><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Graciously Give Our Gifts. “</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">When you cease to make a
contribution, you die.” Eleanor Roosevelt </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">7. </span><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">FORGIVE: Family, Friends,
Foes, and Ourselves.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">
Dr. Sulak points out that there are typically two things that make us angry…when
someone DOES something to us and when someone THINKS about something
differently than we do. How we manage and handle these things affects our
wellness. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">8.</span><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Passionately Pursue Purpose and
Priorities.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">
Live your passion. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">9. </span><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Stifle Stress/Sever Suffering.
</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Stress is mental
strain resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances. Sulak suggests
that stress is inevitable but suffering is optional. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">10. Periodically
PAUSE/PONDER/PLAY/PRAY. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Problems
cannot be solved at the same level of awareness that created them.”
Albert Einstein. This element deals with thoughtful meditation, prayer,
or whatever you can do to remove yourself from the everyday grind long enough
to clear your mind and reset. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">11. </span><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Seek and Secure Support. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"> In this chapter, Sulak visits
a variety of strategies that support the positive behaviors and choices that
she shares in previous chapters. It’s a great book but the presentation
is what adds color and meaning to the written word. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our jobs are not easy jobs and provide a good share of stress that contribute to our well being. Please take time to reflex on these 11 points that Dr. Sulak provides and try to make a positive change to even just one of these elements. Remember every one can be at least 1% better at something. </span><br />
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<strong><i><span style="color: #00ae57; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 36pt;">Wellness Begins Here</span></i></strong><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><b>
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src="data:image/png;base64,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" 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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">As part of the </span><em><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Chancellor’s Wellness Initiative</span></em><span style="font-family: Arial;">, The Texas A&M University System is taking a more active
role in the health of its employees. If you have not done so, you will
need to have your physical/wellness exam by <span style="color: red;">June 30th</span> to receive the lower wellness premium for Plan Year
2014-15. This will be an annual requirement and applies to you and your
spouse, if he/she is covered under your health plan.</span></strong><br />
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</span><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><span style="color: #00ae57; font-family: Times New Roman;">Schedule your exam NOW if you
have not done so. </span></span></b><br />
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</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;">Good luck to those of you going to State 4-H Round Up!!! next week and congratulations to all our scholarship recipients for such a great accomplishment and a terrific way to finish your 4-H Careers. Agents take pride in your 4-H members scholarships this great opportunity was provided to them due to your capacity to lead. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><u><em><strong>Personnel news</strong></em></u></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Welcome to Ms. Rachel Berry , our new 4-H agent in Wharton County, she just completed her first week on the job. </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17850961002096023118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8403107631383230347.post-51222555237521186742014-05-08T08:40:00.000-07:002014-05-08T08:40:14.082-07:002014-15 Career Ladder Timeline<h2 class="storytitle">
Career Ladder Timeline</h2>
<!-- <h2 class="storytitle">
<a href="http://agrilife.org/countyprograms/2014/05/06/career-ladder-timeline-4/" rel="bookmark">Career Ladder Timeline</a></h2>
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<div class="entry">
<a href="http://agrilifecdn.tamu.edu/countyprograms/files/2013/12/Smith-Lever-logo.jpg"><img alt="Smith-Lever logo" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-4650" height="155" src="http://agrilifecdn.tamu.edu/countyprograms/files/2013/12/Smith-Lever-logo.jpg" width="156" /></a><br />
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Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Cooperative Extension Program agents implement innovative and contemporary programs that meet the needs of local clientele and communities. <br />
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These programs result in measurable outcomes that truly “Make a Difference”. One of the methods agents are recognized and rewarded for effective programming is through the County Extension Agent Career Ladder system.<br />
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The purpose of the career ladder is to provide a system for measuring and documenting the progress of Extension Agents in their profession and to reward their professional accomplishments.<br />
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The following table provides a timeline from June through September for managing promotion in the Professional Career Ladder System for County Extension Agents;<br />
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<a href="http://agrilifecdn.tamu.edu/countyprograms/files/2012/06/career-ladder.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="400" src="http://agrilifecdn.tamu.edu/countyprograms/files/2012/06/career-ladder.jpg" title="career ladder" width="640" /></a><br />
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The effectiveness of the career ladder process is directly correlated to our Level IV “mentors” RPL's and myself with engagement in coaching D11 County Extension Agents. The success of this system is important for Extension to maintain a competent, committed, and dedicated workforce.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17850961002096023118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8403107631383230347.post-11135147897443307802013-11-01T14:17:00.000-07:002013-11-01T14:17:20.570-07:00Matagorda County Coastal Marine Resource Agent <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><strong>New Man on the Job!!!!</strong></span></div>
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We have a new man on our team , welcome Mr. Dru Garson, as our new Coastal Marine Resource Agent in Matagorda County. Dru was processed today at the District office and will assume his new role and duties starting on Monday morning Nov. 4th in Bay City. Dru comes to us from Alaska where worked a community development agent. Dru will work to provide leadership in the areas of community development in Matagorda County particularly associated with coastal/marine issues. Help me to welcome Dru to District 11. <br />
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<strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #45818e; font-size: large;">Finishing up Program Planning </span></strong></div>
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We are finishing up program planning and looking forward to your new year of programing with all the great new ideas and opportunities to assist our local clientele with outreach education. Please remember that we must finish up our current year with our Making a Difference annual reports complied by our outcome summaries. Several of you attended a very good lync meeting this week where Dr. Ripley provided good information on writing your outcome summaries. I will soon provide you with updated templates for your reports. <br />
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<strong><span style="color: #b45f06;">October went by very fast and November looks to be as busy as ever</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #b45f06;">Events coming up in November: </span></strong><br />
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D11 ANR Retreat - Sealy<br />
Extension Foundations, Academy I and II - College Station <br />
4-H Crossroads - San Antonio <br />
Thanksgiving Holidays <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17850961002096023118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8403107631383230347.post-16212794157599806632013-10-25T10:52:00.000-07:002013-10-25T10:52:21.982-07:0040 years of Service to Texas Agriculure <strong><span style="font-size: large;">Roy Parker, Extension Entomologist</span></strong><br />
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This week we celebrated Dr. Roy Parker's career with our agency, his retirement celebration, was a great success. Over 100 family members, coworkers, acquaintances, producers, and administration attended this weeks event at the center in Corpus Christi. <br />
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Dr. Parkers service to the agricultural industry in our area is legendary, his work ethic and commitment to the producers was evident by the many testimonials that were presented at the event. <br />
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The department of Entomology will soon be seeking Dr. Parkers replacement as we move to the next chapter in meeting the needs of our producers for the next 40 years. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><u>Dairy Max Trainings</u></strong></span><br />
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Many of FCS agents and 4-H agents have attended or will attend the dairy max trainings soon. The trainings are just the begging of a great partnership in moving toward a new audience in the health and wellness arena. <br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Potential educational programs:</span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Family
Nutrition Nights (nutrition, physical activity, food demonstrations, etc)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dinner
Tonight (healthy cooking demonstrations)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dinner
Tonight e-blasts (participants can sign up to get a weekly food demonstration
video showing the preparation of a healthy, quick, budget friendly recipe)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Provide
nutrition and health information at health fairs<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Master
Wellness Volunteer training (volunteers receive 40 hours of research-based
training in nutrition, food safety, food demonstrations, walking program,
etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In return, participants help
support Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Cooperative Extension
Programs in a volunteer capacity for a minimum of 40 hours)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">FUTP60</b> program
is flexible and tailored to the needs/wants of each school campus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The basic components to work your way through
the playbook include:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Program
advisor identified for the school (coach, counselor, teacher, etc.)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Create
FUTP60 youth committee to discuss and identify ideas on initiatives for that
school (engages other youth)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Provide
opportunities for engaging identified health and wellness ideas at the campus <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Making
this a “team” effort <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Strategies to support the potential of many school
campuses in enrolling in the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">FUTP60
</b>program with the help of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and
Cooperative Extension Program will need to include train the trainer models.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Suggestions include (but not limited to):<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Training
for identified program advisors<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Training
for youth committees<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Training
for parent or community volunteers</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">District 11 ANR Retreat, Northern District 11</span> </div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d;"> Upcoming next month is the District 11 Ag Retreat, to be held
on November 6<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> and 7<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>, in the northern part of
the district. I want to be clear that this is our annual <u><strong>District
11 ANR professional development retreat</strong></u>, that is sponsored by The Texas
Agricultural Agents Association and coordinated by the agents in the northern
part of the district. <u><strong>It is an expectation that all agents
with agricultural duties be at this training.</strong></u> You are
certainly encouraged to be a member of TCAAA, however, If you are not a member
you do not have to stay for the business meeting. The agenda looks really
good, and we also have the opportunity to visit with one of our state’s legislative
representatives. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d;">On the second day of the
retreat, we will have our ANR/4-H agent presentations. I am soliciting
from you 5 professional presentations, involving power points and or other
forms of audio visuals for the presentation. This is your time to share
your outcome summaries, result demonstration summaries, innovative program
ideas, and any other presentations that you believe would be beneficial to your
peers in the district. The presentations can be in either in adult or 4-H
youth ANR programing. I need 5 presentations , each presentation 15 min
in length. I need you confirmation to present by Oct. 23, if I do not get
5 presentations, I will designate to whom will present at the retreat.
Please take advantage of this great opportunity to share your programing
efforts, and for enhancement of your dossier. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17850961002096023118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8403107631383230347.post-75209771458266444752013-10-04T13:57:00.004-07:002013-10-04T18:00:06.332-07:00District 11 Awards and Recognition Committee<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-size: large;">District 11 Awards and Recognition Committee</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: purple;"></span><br />
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I want to thank Mr. Corrie Bowen and Mr. Matt Bochat for chairing the newly reorganized District awards and recognition committee. Members of the committee working to nominate their peers are Adrian Arredondo, Kara Matheney, Kayla Kaspar, Anthony Netardus, Brent Batchelor, and Michelle Allen. <br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The last of the award applications were due today. In all, 8 Superior
Service Award Applications and 1 Vice Chancellor’s Award Application were
submitted from District 11! Thanks to the committee and other agents for all of your time and
effort to get this applications completed and submitted on time. All of
our applications were of very high quality. Thanks Again!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Awards<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Person Nominated<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Status of application<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">County Extension Agent</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Brent Batchelor</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">submitted 9/18 by C. Bowen</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Kayla Kaspar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">submitted 9/24 by K. Matheney</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Specialist</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jason Cleere</span></div>
</td>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">submitted 9/24 by K. Matheney</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 60.75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 4;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; height: 60.75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 128pt;" valign="top" width="171"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: column; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Team</span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; height: 60.75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 137pt;" valign="top" width="183"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: column; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Multi-County Beef Quality Team - Philip,
Larry, Kara, Scott, Dr. Hide</span></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; height: 60.75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 263.35pt;" valign="top" width="351"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: column; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">submitted 9/24 by K. Matheney</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 30.75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 5;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; height: 30.75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 128pt;" valign="top" width="171"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: column; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
</div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; height: 30.75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 137pt;" valign="top" width="183"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: column; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Western Rice Beef Production Conf.</span></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; height: 30.75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 263.35pt;" valign="top" width="351"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: column; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">submitted by B. Batchelor</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 30.75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 6;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; height: 30.75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 128pt;" valign="top" width="171"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: column; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
</div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; height: 30.75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 137pt;" valign="top" width="183"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: column; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Food Preservation in the 21st Century</span></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; height: 30.75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 263.35pt;" valign="top" width="351"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: column; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">submitted by M. Allen</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 60.75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 7;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; height: 60.75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 128pt;" valign="top" width="171"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: column; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
</div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; height: 60.75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 137pt;" valign="top" width="183"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: column; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<i><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sally G., Michelle Allen, Phillip S.,
Scott Willey, Dr. Jenna Anding<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; height: 60.75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 263.35pt;" valign="top" width="351"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: column; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 60.75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 8;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; height: 60.75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 128pt;" valign="top" width="171"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: column; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Diversity</span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; height: 60.75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 137pt;" valign="top" width="183"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: column; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ardrian Arrendondo's San Patricio County
Extra Special Livestock Show</span></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; height: 60.75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 263.35pt;" valign="top" width="351"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: column; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Submitted by Adrian Arrendondo</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 9;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; height: 15.75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 128pt;" valign="top" width="171"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: column; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Distinguished Career</span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; height: 15.75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 137pt;" valign="top" width="183"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: column; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jeff Stapper</span></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; height: 15.75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 263.35pt;" valign="top" width="351"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: column; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Submitted by M. Bochat</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 30.75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 10; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; height: 30.75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 128pt;" valign="top" width="171"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: column; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Vice Chancellor's Award</span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; height: 30.75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 137pt;" valign="top" width="183"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: column; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Phillip Shackelford</span></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; height: 30.75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 263.35pt;" valign="top" width="351"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: column; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Submitted by C. Bowen on 10/4 </span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><strong>Texas AgExchange Farm and Ranch Show</strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><strong>Corpus Christi Texas</strong></span></div>
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I had a chance to attend an afternoon of the farm show this week , there was a big turn out from the south Texas and Coastal Bend agricultural community as moisture has once again renewed producers optimism for their fields, range and pasture. It was good to see some old friends and visit with producers once again. <br />
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A big turn out for educational programs, conducted by the Nueces County/San Patrico County office was held on both days, <strong>Monty Dozier, Bobby McCool </strong>and the Nueces County staff need to be commended for an outstanding program. <strong>Helen Orsak</strong> in particular provided great leadership in facilitating the meetings prior to Jason Ott getting to the office. I want to also thank Joe Paschal and Megan Clayton for providing very informative programs. <br />
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<strong>Dr. Doug Steel, Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Director</strong> attended the program and show on Wednesday. It was great to see our director come out to one of our programs in District 11, we really appreciate his support. <br />
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;"><strong>Program Planning Conferences</strong></span><br />
We start Monday morning -through Thursday on this years PPC's I will be sending out lync meetings the day before each conference, again please be ready and plan to for the entire day till you are excused by the RPD's and myself. Have a good weekend, DM Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17850961002096023118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8403107631383230347.post-7489708592302253622013-09-27T12:33:00.000-07:002013-09-27T12:33:23.570-07:00<strong><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">District 11 Extension News:</span></strong><br />
I know I have not posted in a very long time, but yes the blog is not dead!!! I wanted to provide you some reminders to some recent administrative communication, if you have any questions give me a call.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">Honoring 40 Years of Service</span> </strong></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Below and attached is an invitation to Dr.
Parker's Retirement Celebration being sent out by the our office.
Hopefully most of you will be able to attend, as Dr. Parker touched many
County Agents lives in working with Texas Agriculture. Please share this information with Ag Producers in
your counties that you think would be interested. I know some agents have
included the invitation in their county Ag newsletters, and some were going to
do an email blast to producers. Also, please share this information with
retired agents living in your counties, who would be interested in
attending. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let’s all try to make Roy’s Celebration something very
special! This retirement celebration is not only a celebration for Dr.Parker it is a celebration of 40 years of Extension Programing in Texas. Dr. Parker's driving work ethic translated into many of the agents that worked with him and the demonstration cooperators and producers that learned from his wealth of knowledge. His efforts clearly made a difference in the lives of so many Ag producers making them more productive by his persistence to be the best Extension Entomologist in the Nation. We have just been fortunate to call him our own. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidADW90nhkZHXPtBUGyzniOIDHkJyp1D3LtmI4KY6AgU5LvSiUb6QxOca47GRCcXSoAJxIS5Xr_cqNIkBScfjJcIGNHJ92gMBC_qVTzbGd6YqcR-HLKyUhoQqKaIn_UdrdUeaBu7QnJFWd/s1600/Invitation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidADW90nhkZHXPtBUGyzniOIDHkJyp1D3LtmI4KY6AgU5LvSiUb6QxOca47GRCcXSoAJxIS5Xr_cqNIkBScfjJcIGNHJ92gMBC_qVTzbGd6YqcR-HLKyUhoQqKaIn_UdrdUeaBu7QnJFWd/s1600/Invitation.jpg" height="492" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><span style="color: #783f04;">Program Planning Conferences</span> </strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As planned at our recent district workshop, attached is the
schedule and agenda for the program planning conferences for the week of <b><u>Oct
7<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> thru Oct 10<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup></u></b>. The conferences will be
conducted using the lync program. You will soon be getting an invitation to a
lync meeting on your outlook calendar. I would suggest that you test your
lync program for working order, prior to the morning of the conference.
It is acceptable to join another coworker at their computer for the group
and county sessions. However you will be required to lync with the RPD’s
and possibly myself for the individuals sessions. Austin County please
send me some possible dates in order to schedule your conference. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I want to remind you that this is one of the most important
tasks that you must complete as a county Extension agent. Identifying the
issues of your clientele and addressing their needs with your plans is what
should drive you in <b><u>Making a Difference</u></b> in 2014. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Please plan on the entire day for the conference, however I
believe that most of you will be done early afternoon. Please be prepared
by entering you 2014 plans into Texas by <b><u>Oct 1<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">st</span></sup></u></b>.
If your first draft of plans are not in the system by your designated PPC
you will have to come to Rosenberg for the regional face to face program
planning conference, November 1<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">st</span></sup>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I also want to remind you , new this year you are required
to send me your updated <u><strong>curriculum vita</strong></u>, as it is also important that you work on
your dossier each year. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I look forward to our conferences, and reviewing you plans
of work, please call if you have any questions.</span></div>
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<a href="http://texas4-hpractitioners.blogspot.com/2013/09/4-h-volunteer-reporting-options-now.html"><span style="color: #19cc11; font-size: large;">4-H Volunteer Reporting Options Now Available</span></a></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The Texas 4-H & Youth Development Program is pleased to announce the capability for volunteers to report their activities and accomplishments. As you well know, the 4-H Program relies heavily on volunteers to reach more youth, lead educational programs, coordinate activities, and manage clubs and groups. We know that volunteers are doing great things in the 4-H Program! In order to assess the impact they are making, we have developed two online reporting options for volunteers to report their activities and accomplishments. </span></div>
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<b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">4-H Club Manager Reporting:</span></b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> This reporting system is for 4-H club managers and is accessible on 4-H CONNECT. Club Managers will need access to their 4-H clubs in order to report club meeting numbers and activities. The information inputted by volunteers is accessible at any time by County Extension Agents. </span></div>
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<b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">4-H Volunteer Reporting:</span></b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> This online reporting system is available for any type of volunteer to report an activity. Volunteers can use it to report club meetings, project activities, workshops, project visits, and community service activities, just to name a few. Club managers are welcome to report using this online system; however, they should not report to both systems. Information reported to this site will be sent by the 5th of each month to County Extension Agents. </span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">More information about these two reporting options can be found on the Volunteer Resources web page at: <a href="http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/volunteerres"><span style="color: blue;">http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/volunteerres</span></a>as well as the one-pager attached. How-to videos are also available on the site to walk you and volunteers through the reporting systems. </span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Several online trainings, using the TTVN Web Meeting Program, will also be hosted this Fall to showcase the two volunteer reporting options. The trainings are scheduled for the following dates and times. </span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Friday, October 4th at 10:00 am - Event ID: HPL435605; Link: <a href="https://ebs-saba.ads.tamu.edu/GA/main/000000686cea000001413d996d4cbab5"><span style="color: blue;">https://ebs-saba.ads.tamu.edu:443/GA/main/000000686cea000001413d996d4cbab5</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tuesday, October 22nd at 2:00 pm - Event ID: LLL482406; Link: <a href="https://ebs-saba.ads.tamu.edu/GA/main/000000686cea000001413d996d4cbabf"><span style="color: blue;">https://ebs-saba.ads.tamu.edu:443/GA/main/000000686cea000001413d996d4cbabf</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Monday, November 4th at 10:00 am - Event ID: HRP524963; Link: <a href="https://ebs-saba.ads.tamu.edu/GA/main/000000686cea000001413d996d4cbac9"><span style="color: blue;">https://ebs-saba.ads.tamu.edu:443/GA/main/000000686cea000001413d996d4cbac9</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Please feel free to contact Courtney Dodd or Toby Lepley with any questions about these two volunteer reporting systems. </span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;"><strong>Personnel News:</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I want to announce that <strong>Mr. Jason Ott,</strong> has accepted the ANR position in Nueces County. Jason will transfer to Nueces County from Medina County in District 10 effective October 1st. We are fortunate to have Jason join the staff in Nueces County and the our D11 team. He comes highly recommended as an agent with great knowledge of production agriculture and will prove to be a great asset to the Nueces County agricultural community. Please join me in welcoming Jason to the Coastal Bend. </span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> <a href="http://texas4-hpractitioners.blogspot.com/2013/09/4-h-week-one-day-4-h-provide-statewide.html"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">4-H Week, One Day 4-H Provide Statewide Community Service</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">October 6-12 is National 4-H Week, which culminates with “one day 4-H” — a day of community service set for Oct. 12. I know you all have many activities planned for this important week , pleas let us know how the District office can help support your efforts. </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17850961002096023118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8403107631383230347.post-70961843082343007072012-12-20T09:21:00.001-08:002012-12-20T09:40:38.028-08:00Developing a Mentoring Culture/ Honoring a Pioneer in Extension Programing<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 18pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Developing
a Mentoring Culture<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">A
mentoring culture continuously focuses on building the mentoring capacity,
competence, and capability of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Texas
A&M AgriLife Extension has a very organized mentoring program as a part of
our new agent on boarding program, but mentoring should be encouraged beyond
our formal program and should permeate the entire organization. A mentoring
culture with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service encourages the practice
of mentoring excellence by continuously:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">creating readiness for
mentoring within Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service,<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">facilitating multiple
mentoring opportunities, and<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Building in support
mechanisms to ensure individual and organizational mentoring success.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">In a
mentoring culture, six hallmarks build on and strengthen each other. All are
present, at least to some degree; however they manifest themselves differently
depending on the organizational expectations related to mentoring. When each
hallmark is consistently present, the mentoring culture is more robust. As more
and more of each hallmark is found in an organization, the mentoring culture
becomes progressively more sustainable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The
Six Hallmarks of a Mentoring Culture</span></b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<ol start="1" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Accountability</span></b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Communication</span></b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Value and Visibility.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Demand.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Education and Training</span></b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Safety Nets.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ol>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">A mentoring
culture is an expression of an organization’s vitality. Its presence enables an
organization to augment learning, maximize time and effort, and better utilize
its resources. The relationship skills learned through mentoring benefit
relationships throughout the organization; as these relationships increase,
people feel more connected to the organization. Ultimately, the learning that
results creates value for the entire organization.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Dr.
Darrell Dromgoole Associate Director for County Programs contributed to this article.
<o:p></o:p></u></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Recently ,
we had three new mentors trained in the District at a special training last
week, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Brian Yanta, Janice Pfeffer,
and Kayla Kaspar</u></i></b>, were trained as new mentors and will be assenting
as we continue to onboard new agents into the district. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These three individuals have all conducted
excellent programs in their counties and have established themselves as
resource individuals in their field of expertise. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Congratulations!!! to Brian, Janice and Kayla
as District 11 newest mentors. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Honoring a Pioneer in Extension Programing</span>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today we will be honoring </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><u><em>Mr. Pete </em></u></strong></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><u><em>Flores,</em></u></strong>our retiring Information Technology specialist. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will have a reception at the District
office for Pete, and I am looking forward to the event. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pete Flores in my opinion is one of our
pioneers in Extension programing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXI5dt2lGVLGTEAx1UtFL79eKHoj_1vs0PJpMR7_TnOL2r7QfYZRskolysZheNka9HEJR1_adm3Vk-qcUf_U4GtZHT95_h1YBrea59lgQQBMOdOLuGUWQnbHGUnHYT5mzKgE0ShPHyFpYU/s1600/pete+computer+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXI5dt2lGVLGTEAx1UtFL79eKHoj_1vs0PJpMR7_TnOL2r7QfYZRskolysZheNka9HEJR1_adm3Vk-qcUf_U4GtZHT95_h1YBrea59lgQQBMOdOLuGUWQnbHGUnHYT5mzKgE0ShPHyFpYU/s1600/pete+computer+.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am old enough to remember the times when
we did not have computers in the Extension office. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Back in the mid 1980’s Extension offices were
only just staring to learn how to use the personal and business computer in our
programing and accountability efforts. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the county office had a single computer it
was usually in a common area so everyone could use it, or more often on the secretary’s
desk. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We now carry our computers on our pocket. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Pete Flores was one of the first individuals
as a county Extension agent to actively use computer technology in his programing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He developed ways to incorporate the technology
into his programs and was one of the first to use the computer to run a stock
show <span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">and complete a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>result demonstration report</span>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This may seem really elementary to
some of you all, but back then it was a big deal to run a stock show on a
spread sheet ( SuperCal ) for some of you all that might remember. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pete has been a leader in teaching agents
on how to use the new tools we have not for outreach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His willingness to provide tips and
suggestions for using programs has been extremely valuable for agents over the
years. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pete Flores served Extension as a county
Extension agent and IT specialist for over 30 years, and has been a great asset
to Extension especially in training agents on how to use the technology to help
them be more productive. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is a true
specialist working for the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">county
Extension agent;</i> he is always willing to drop anything he is doing to solve
problems during the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As you all know if your computer goes down,
you might as well go home, Pete knows the work of a county Extension agent and
identifies with their needs, I believe this is why Pete has been so valuable to
our agency.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Please join me in thanking Pete for his
many years of great service to our agency, and wishing him well in his
retirement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hope he finds things to do, and especially I
hope he does not change his cell number.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>DM </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">District 11 Personnel News</span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We have new Agent in District 11 , help me to welcome <strong><u><em>Dr. Kirsten Corda</em></u></strong>, our new Family ad Consumer Science agent in Aransas County. Kirsten , is currently in her first step role in San Patricio County and will start in Aransas County after the start of the new year. Kirsten comes to us from the academic arena as she has extensive experience in grant work in Nutrition education. Kirsten will move into assisting Ginger Easton Smith with her new role as an Extension agent in a diverse program in Aransas County. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: red;">Merry Christmas D11</span> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas ,
please make time to spend with your family, and enjoy them during the best part
of the year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we come to another close
of the year, I am reminded how important our jobs are as we help people solve
problems and you have truly have helped many people in your counties this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am in the mist of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>updating myself prior to performance reviews
and can see the great outcomes that you<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>have accomplished. I am really lucky to have the opportunity to work with
all of you in the District.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><strong><em><u><span style="color: #38761d;">Happy
Holidays and be safe on the roads, DM</span></u></em></strong> </span></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17850961002096023118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8403107631383230347.post-69936042100076395212012-11-30T13:19:00.000-08:002012-11-30T13:41:29.642-08:00Establishing Preformance Review Confrences One of most important management processes conducted by a District
Extension Administrators is managing an
effective performance management system. Performance Management goes
well beyond conducting an effective Performance Review Conference and
monitoring agent performance through the TExAS reporting system. There
are various components that must be successfully implemented to
successfully manage agent performance. The following are elements that
are involved in a performance management system with Texas A&M
AgriLife Extension Service;<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li class="first"><strong>Conducting an effective Program Planning Conference-</strong> Any
Performance Management System begins with District Extension
Administrators and Regional Program Directors
establishing clearly defined performance expectations.</li>
<li><strong>Professional Development and Training</strong>- All
effective performance management systems have effective professional
development and training in place to provide County Extension Agents
with the professional competencies to accomplish the programmatic goals
established during Program Planning Conferences.</li>
<li><strong>Monitoring Agent Performance</strong>- District Extension
Administrators monitor performance
on a monthly basis to determine if goals and tactical plans that are
developed during the performance planning conference is being
successfully implemented by agents.</li>
<li><strong>Coaching</strong>- Providing agents with feedback regarding
performance on an on-going basis is critical component to a successful
performance management system.</li>
<li class="last"><strong>Performance Appraisal Conference</strong>-
Conducting a successful Performance Appraisal Conference involves
effective preparation, effective implementation of the conference and
appropriate followup.</li>
</ul>
<div class="last">
</div>
<div class="last">
<strong>Ms. Barbara Moretich, our District office manager </strong>will be contacting you through email with a doodle poll next week to identify the best days for your upcoming conference in late December, January, February, and, or March. Please be looking for the email and respond as soon as possible so your conference can be scheduled. I plan on going to all the D11 offices this year for your reviews. DM </div>
<div class="last">
</div>
<div class="last">
<strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;">District 11 Shooting Sports Organizational Meeting</span></strong></div>
<div class="last">
</div>
<div class="last">
A organizational meeting of all disciplines was held in Victoria on Tuesday evening to discuss many of the new changes that have taken place this year in the 4-H program. The majority of the district was represented by leaders. Agents in attendance were Mike Hiller, Ryan Damborsky, and Kara Matheney. Dr. Boleman and Larry Hysmith representing the state 4-H program discussed many of the new changes and challenges facing the shooting sports program. </div>
<div class="last">
</div>
<div class="last">
Meredith Carter and myself provided new ways that the district office could support existing and future program opportunities for our young people. It was great to meet so many leaders in our District that I had not met before and to see the great passion that they have for coaching our young people to be the best. The district office will become more active in providing direction to the the Shooting Shorts program especially in providing communication to all involved. There many new opportunities that will soon be showcased by our state office for shooting sports and the leaders were privileged to see them at the meeting. If you have any questions please let me know. </div>
<div class="last">
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Colorado County Shooting Sports (Archery) Club featured In JOAD Spotlight </span><br />
<br />
Attached below is a good article was sent to me by Kara Matheney on the spotlight interview of a Colorado County 4-H archery club. 2004 Olympian John Magera, the club's director answers questions for the article. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.teamusa.org/USA-Archery/Features/2012/November/07/JOAD-Club-Spotlight-on-THE-JOAD-Club.aspx">http://www.teamusa.org/USA-Archery/Features/2012/November/07/JOAD-Club-Spotlight-on-THE-JOAD-Club.aspx</a><br />
<br />
</div>
<div class="last">
<strong><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">Better Living for Texans Program Assistants Training</span></strong> </div>
<div class="last">
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_FyH21LDwTAeyoZPrnQPnjhPkM5hy2QssKm7u7Lyq22U6eOkIA2ZH80AVR1BM_EQz-z_sfWx0QMTkqUQv9_5VKOW2ZJoDHUqN7aPz078ZA8AHVQFBeSrW933flS2O1C1mrUmRF7fHPcC2/s1600/IMG_0086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_FyH21LDwTAeyoZPrnQPnjhPkM5hy2QssKm7u7Lyq22U6eOkIA2ZH80AVR1BM_EQz-z_sfWx0QMTkqUQv9_5VKOW2ZJoDHUqN7aPz078ZA8AHVQFBeSrW933flS2O1C1mrUmRF7fHPcC2/s1600/IMG_0086.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Logan Respess demonstration on how to fillet a fish </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="last">
I had the opportunity to attend the BLT program assistants meeting on Padre Island on Wednesday. It was good to visit with our BLT staff in our region. These ladies provide many hours of Extension outreach to many non traditional audiences that benefit from the educational opportunities. <br />
</div>
<div class="last">
Mr. Logan Respess, Sea Grant Associate Director provided an excellent program on the Seafood industry and information on food safety that the assistants could use as they teach. The participants also boarded the KARMA for and educational cruse of Corpus Christi Bay providing more information on the gulf coast marine educational opportunities. </div>
<div class="last">
</div>
<div class="last">
<br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><strong>District Personnel News</strong></span><br />
<br />
<strong><u><em>Dr. Kirsten Corda</em></u></strong>, has been approved by the Aransas County Court as their new Family and Consumer Agent. Dr. Corda is a graduate of Texas A&M University (bachelors) UTSA( Masters) and received her Phd for Rutgers University in New Jersey. Dr. Corda has vast experience in the field of nutrition and is familiar with Extension's commitment to outreach education. Kirsten will soon assist Ginger Easton Smith in Aransas County. Kirsten will start her first step program in San Patricio County with Kathy Farrow as her mentor on Monday December 3rd. Please join me in welcoming Kirsten to the D11 team. <br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong><em><u>Joseph Janak</u></em></strong>, named County Extension Emeritus by the Board of Regents. The
official board of regents’ minuets read as follows:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<strong><i>"In recognition of his long and distinguished service to
Texas AgriLife Extension Service and the The Texas A&M University System,
the title of County Extension Agent Emeritus is conferred upon Mr. Joseph
Janak, Jr. and his is granted all rights and privileges of this title effective
November 2nd, 2012."</i></strong> <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Please help me in congratulating Joe on his great career and
being awarded this prestigious honor. Also thank you to the recognition and
awards committee for assisting with the nomination.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17850961002096023118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8403107631383230347.post-44722941893326515742012-08-09T13:16:00.002-07:002012-08-09T14:19:04.280-07:002012-2013 District Program PlanningProgram Planning is one of the most important processes that
you as a County Extension Agent can provide leadership to. This process provides an
excellent venue to motivate and move Extension Program areas committees in a positive
direction with in your counties.<br />
One of the critical components to Extension program building is program the planning
workshop. Our District Program Development Conference and Workshop will be
conducted on <strong><u>Wednesday and Thursday September 5th, and 6th in Corpus Christi at the District office</u></strong>.<br />
Our training will be devoted to
program development and will set the stage for effective and quality
program planning for the upcoming year.<br />
In preparation for these workshops Associate Department Heads or
Program Leaders will provide one page briefs on new projects and
initiatives. Regional Program Directors will share these one-pagers
with agents in the region.<br />
<strong>All agents should have program area committee meeting(s) and/or youth
board meeting(s) prior to our workshop. Agents will use the
minutes of those meeting(s) along with a prioritized set of issues that
have been identified to be addressed during the coming program year if possible please share with appropriate Regional Program Directors and District Extension
Administrator prior to the workshop.</strong><br />
The following are elements of this workshop that are critical for effective planning and effective allocation of resources;<strong></strong><br />
<ul>
<li class="first"><strong>Overview of Program Planning Expectations</strong>-
The District Extension Administrator will provide general expectations
related to Organizational Support Plans, Individual Development Plans,
and other interdisciplinary and team efforts.</li>
<li><strong>Discussion regarding Partial Cost Recovery-</strong>
District Extension Administrators and Regional Program Directors should
emphasize that Partial Cost Recovery and 4-H Participation fees has been
implemented to assist in sustaining Texas AgriLife Extension Service’s
program delivery capacity. Texas AgriLife Extension Service provides
our clientele with a product that has value and makes a difference on an
individual and community basis.</li>
<li><strong>Community Resource and Economic Development</strong>-
Regional Program Directors will provide expectations and suggested
strategies for addressing emergency management and other CRED program
needs</li>
<li><strong>4-H and Youth Development Expectations and Discussion-</strong>
The District Extension Administrator or Regional Program Directors
will provide general expectations related to 4-H management and
leadership plans. Regional Program Directors will provide expectations
related to support of 4-H subject matter projects and youth outcome
plans. District 4-H Specialist will provide training related to youth
trends and goals for improving 4-H participation. County staffs should
be provided time to meet together to discuss 4-H program planning for
the coming year, CRED, and other team efforts.</li>
<li class="last"><strong>Program Planning Subject Matter Break-Out Groups</strong>
– Regional Program Director-FCS will work with FCS agents, Regional
Program Director – Agriculture and Natural Resources will work with
Ag/Nr Agents, and the District 4-H Specialist will work with 4-H and
Youth Development Agents.</li>
</ul>
The Topics for these Subject Matter Break-Out Sessions will include:<br />
<ol>
<li><strong>Overview of regional program priorities -</strong> Key specialists may be asked to provide some subject matter updates based on the regional program priorities.</li>
<li><strong>Specific information or reminders per discipline</strong> –
For example, Texas AgriLife Extension Prescribed Burn Policy, Guidelines
for Result Demonstrations, Better Living for Texans requirements, 4-H
Management Items, etc.</li>
<li><strong>Issue planning groups</strong> – Based on the issues
identified by PACs/Youth Boards, agents will group together to discuss
more in-depth program ideas, interventions and strategies that are
specific to the key issues in their county. Regional Program Directors
will review the list submitted and pre-assign agents to the groups. It
would be appropriate to invite specialists to participate in these
meetings if they are located on site. If support is needed from other
specialists who are unable to travel to the district, they could
participate via speaker phone or other technology such as Lync.</li>
<li><strong>Cluster planning groups</strong> – We will also allow time for agents to plan multi-county efforts.</li>
<li><strong>Specialist engagement and scheduling </strong>- Specialists
based at the district office will be invited to work with agents in
scheduling programs for the upcoming year. Specialists who are not
based in the district office, could be involved via phone or centra or
Lync as necessary.<strong></strong></li>
</ol>
The main focus of this program planning philosophy is assisting you as agents to better manage your time and program.
Program planning must be about ensuring that Extension is efficiently
allocating resources that results in program excellence not just focused
on approving a plan on the TeXas System, committed to developing
better programs that result in measurable outcomes, and devoted to
assisting agents to better allocate their time which leads to
efficiency.<br />
<h2 class="storytitle">
<u>Reminder- Superior Service Nominations Due August 31 , 2012</u></h2>
<div class="storycontent">
<div class="entry">
Agent/staff recognition is a tool that reinforces and
rewards the most important outcomes agents and staff create for your
District/County. When we recognize agents and staff effectively, we
reinforce the actions and behaviors we most want to see agents and staff
to repeat. An effective agent/staff recognition system is extremely
effective.<br />
<br />
One of the methods that can be utilized to recognize agents and staff
is by nominating them for the 2012 Texas AgriLife Extension Service
Superior Service Award.<br />
<br />
The 2012 Superior Service Nominations are due August 31, 2012.
<br />
<br />
Guidelines and online application can be found at<a href="http://agrilife.org/extemployees/"> http://agrilife.org/extemployees/</a><br />
The online nomination can be found at <a href="http://agrilife-extadmin.tamu.edu/SSA/">http://agrilife-extadmin.tamu.edu/SSA/</a><br />
<br />
Michelle Allen, and Anthony Netardus will chair the awards and recognition committe this year and will be meeting this week to identify potential nominations for the SSA process. If you have suggestions for nominations please call Michelle and or Anthony. <br />
<br />
<u><strong>Coastal Bend Agricultural Grant</strong></u><br />
<br />
We have an unique opportunity to apply for grant funds to support coastal bend agriculture each year through a local foundation. Pete Flores and I were awarded a technology grant to develop the use of a Ipad or electronic tablet for agricultural and or 4-H agricultural programing. We will be awarding an <strong><u>Ipad or android tablet</u></strong> to an agent in District 11 that sends in a proposal to Pete and I by September 1st on how they would use the new technology to program for agricultural or 4-H programs. The focus on programing must include adoption of new technology to enhance agricultural profitability. Please limit the proposal to a two page word document. Creativity in the proposal is also encouraged. If the agent is awarded the Ipad, either a outcome or output plan must be adopted for 2013. If you have any questions please give Pete or I a call. <br />
<br />
<strong><u>New District 11 4-H Policy</u></strong><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">With the official start of the 4-H year on September 1, there will be some policy changes made from the District Office. There will be official notice coming soon, but in short, these will help the District 4-H program run more efficiently. </span><br />
<ul>
<li>We will initiate a late fee on 4-H connect of $25 per person up to 24 hours prior to the day of the event. We will have regular registration and fees like we have been doing , however after the deadline we will still take entries with the regular and late fee combined up to the day prior to the event. We will use this policy across the board for all events and contests that use 4-H connect. </li>
<li><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In following suit with the Texas 4-H Guidelines, no youth
will be allowed to compete with their recordbook at District competition in ANY
category if they have won 1st place at the state level competition. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If a youth is to drive themselves to any district
function, the keys will be picked up by their County Agent or District
Specialist and returned at the completion of the event. This is to ensure
the safety of all youth involved at the event. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<strong><u>District 11 Personnel News</u></strong><br />
<br />
Please welcome <strong>Ms. Laura Reyna</strong> to our District as she started this month in her new role as Matagorda County 4-H Agent. Laura is a product of the District 11 4-H program raised in Wharton County. Laura first steeped in Fort Bend County. <br />
<br />
We will meet the court shortly in San Patricio County to present a candidate for the ANR position. Interviews are ongoing for the Lavaca FCS position , a finalist has been identified for the Aransas County FCS position and in the process of filling both positions. <br />
<br />
Wharton County FCS and ANR position are open internally, Karnes County FCS is open internally an I am currently training to recruit existing agents to move into these roles. <br />
Last week I assisted our CEP-FCS program director Ms. Jackie White in interviewing for the new Nueces County CEP-FCS position. <br />
<br />
I also want to congratulate <strong><u>Diana Weise Dewitt County FCS agent</u></strong>. Diana retired at the end of July after serving 28 years with our agency. Diana provided leadership to many county and district programs over her tenure. Diana truly made a difference in helping the clientele that she served. We wish her well in her well deserved retirement. <br />
<br />
<strong><u>Ms. Barbara Sulak</u></strong> Matagroda County FCS Agent, has also informed me that she will also be retiring at the end of September. Barbara has also been a great leader in several counties over her Extension career. Please join me in congratulating her on a great career! <br />
<br /></div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17850961002096023118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8403107631383230347.post-84156178645460779932012-06-15T14:21:00.000-07:002012-06-15T14:37:28.275-07:00Customer Satisfaction Counties for FY2012-2013<h2 class="storytitle">
Customer Satisfaction Counties for FY2012-2013</h2>
The customer satisfaction program within Texas AgriLife Extension
Service is designed to help ensure the agency continues to provide
timely, relevant, and effective educational programs to the citizen of
Texas. It is also a state-mandated performance measure for our agency.
Counties need to give attention and care to this data collection effort
as its critical to our agency’s continued existence and programmatic
success.<br />
<div class="storytitle">
</div>
Organizational Development has designed two sets of scan forms
(standard and with client change) that counties can choose from to meet
their customer satisfaction reporting requirement<br />
<div class="storytitle">
</div>
District 11 Counties required to participate in customer satisfaction reporting for FY 12-13 are:<br />
<ul>
<li class="first">Calhoun</li>
<li>Dewitt</li>
<li>Goliad</li>
<li class="last">Matagorda</li>
</ul>
<strong>What a Required County Must Do to Comply</strong><br />
<div class="last">
</div>
<ol>
<li>Each agent within a required county must use any version of a <a href="http://od.tamu.edu/evaluation/scan-forms/download-forms/customer-satisfaction-scan-forms/" target="_blank">standard or customer satisfaction with outcomes scan form</a> (click here to download forms <a href="http://od.tamu.edu/evaluation/scan-forms/download-forms/customer-satisfaction-scan-forms/">http://od.tamu.edu/evaluation/scan-forms/download-forms/customer-satisfaction-scan-forms/</a>) for at least two program events within the fiscal year (September 1 – August 31).</li>
<li>Submit the scan forms from step 1 and a completed cover sheet to
Organizational Development for processing (click here for mailing
instructions <a href="http://od.tamu.edu/evaluation/scan-forms/sending-your-forms/">http://od.tamu.edu/evaluation/scan-forms/sending-your-forms/</a>).
Also, to ensure agents meet the outcome summary reporting deadline
(typically in early December) they should not sit on their completed
forms; send them in ASAP as processing volume around the deadline is
heavy and takes longer than usual.</li>
<li>Steps 1 and 2 must be done by each agent within a required county for each fiscal year (FY12 & FY13)</li>
</ol>
<div class="last">
</div>
Due to the oversight of various funding partners it is imperative
that Texas AgriLife Extension Service monitor the satisfaction of our
clientele as it relates to programs. Failure to comply with performance
measures, such as customer satisfaction, can severely impact
appropriated funding. Compliance with this performance measure should be
treated as a significant part of Agents professional obligations.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Extension Program Building in District 11</strong></span><br />
<br />
At our Spring Fall Faculty Conference last month we discussed the importance of program area committees as well as task forces and your leadership advisor broads. <br />
<br />
I want to remind all of our agents that program planning workshops and conferences are just around the corner this fall. In order to develop program plans an agent must meet with their committees and identify and prioritize issues that will be the focus of your program plans for 2013. It is very important that planning meetings with your committee members, volunteers, and cooperators be held prior to our program workshop and program planning conferences. Agents will be evaluated on the expectations of a sound committee structure for 2012, and 2013. As I discussed with my presentation last month on an agents professional career path; your committees engagement in your programs directly affects your professional development as an agent. If you have any questions on establishing or revitalizing your committees please give me or our RPD's a call. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Summer 2012 in District 11</strong></span><br />
<br />
I have been receiving excellent reports on the success to the start to your summer programing. Crop tours and agricultural educational opportunities are being well received by our clientele. Specialists have been reporting that attendance is up at many of our events. <br />
<br />
Reports are coming in from a very successful 4-H Round up in Lubbock. Unofficial totals for District 11 scholarship recipients are<strong> $260,500.</strong> We have also had a successful roundup in contest and event participation .4-H Round up in Lubbock looks to have been a great success. I believe that this round up will be the beginning of a new 4-H Round up experience, much different that what we all remember. Thanks to the city of Lubbock, Texas Tech University and District 2 for their great hospitality. <br />
<br />
Next week we will move to 4-H Leadership Lab and Horse Show . We have good numbers for each event and look forward to seeing you all at the events next week. I also would like to remind each of you that we must continue to provide the best possible experience for our 4-H members and leaders at our county and district events. These events are very important to our young people , leaders and volunteers as they spend much of their vacation time and resources to bring their youth to our events. Our professionalism must not waiver in providing these special opportunities to our young people. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Turkmenistan and Tajikistan Visitors to the District Center</strong></span><br />
<br />
Recently I had the opportunity to participate with a international project as visitors form Turkmenistan and Tajikistan visited the District office. These countries are former Soviet Union countries that border Afghanistan. The individuals that visited were researchers, farmers and Extension agents that are wanting to learn new ways to help their producers be more productive. I visited with them about the Extension network and how we work with our clientele. This was my first time to use an interpreter and was very different in how I had to provide my information in the presentation. It gives me a greater appreciation of our land grant university system, and how we continue to be relevant in working with our clientele. Most of the questions were for me as they were mostly interested in how to sustain an Extension Service. They understood Russian and other languages, however my south Texas accent was well received. We work for a great organization and clearly it is respected by many all over the world. I really enjoyed visiting with these groups. <br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>District 11 Personnel News</strong></span><br />
<br />
Please help me welcome <strong><u>Beth Collins</u></strong> to District 11 Beth started her new appointment as Austin County 4-H agent on June 1st. Beth comes to us with a extensive 4-H background from Sam Houston State University and is working on her masters at TAMU. <br />
<br />
Also welcome <strong><u>Jody Price</u></strong>, our new FCS agent in Jackson County, Jody started her first step training in Victoria County on June 1st. Jody comes to us as a former health educator and coach, and we look for an easy transition to Extension FCS and 4-H work in Jackson County. Jody is native of Goliad County were she was a very active 4-H member. <br />
<br />
<u><strong>Peter McGuill</strong></u> will be transferring to Victoria County as their new AG/NR agent after providing years of leadership in Wharton County. Peter will start on July 1st. Please join me in congratulating Peter on his new challenge in moving Victoria County forward along with Erika and Alyssa. <br />
<br />
The selection process continues for Matagroda 4-H , Lavaca FCS, Nueces County FCS, San Patricio ANR and Aransas County FCS positions. The Karnes County Position will be announced internally soon. Please continue to help recruit and encourage individuals to apply. I appreciate many of your efforts as ambassadors of our agency and District. As always give me a call if I can help, DM <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
</ul>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17850961002096023118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8403107631383230347.post-45169924284978709102012-04-23T14:42:00.001-07:002012-04-23T15:03:50.509-07:00A Reminder of CEA’s Responsibilities in Emergency ManagementWith severe weather threatening parts of Texas this month it is
imperative that District 11 County Extension Agents be reminded regarding their
responsibilities in emergency management. The following outlines the
roles and responsibilities of a County Extension Agent during the
response and recovery phases of an emergency;<br />
<br />
1. <strong>Immediately contact the District Extension Administrator and provide a detailed report on the incident.</strong>
If the DEA is not available contact a Regional Program Director. If the
DEA and RPDs are not available, contact the office of the Associate
Director for County Programs.<br />
<br />
2. <strong>Contact the County Judge and Emergency Management Coordinator.</strong>
CEAs should offer assistance and determine if other parts of the County
Emergency Management Plan have been activated. CEAs should carry out
the following emergency response and recovery activities at the request
of the County Judge and/or Emergency Management Coordinator:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li class="first">CEAs ANR on the County Emergency Board of USDA FSA
will assess agricultural damages and establish criteria by which the
county judge initiates an agricultural disaster declaration.</li>
<li>Where appropriate, help the county officials write the formal
request for external resources. Agents should do this by completing the
Incident Command System Form 213 (requires signature of county judge or
EMC). The DEA and RPD(s) can help as needed.</li>
<li>Act as Public Information Officer and lead the county’s electronic
and mass media efforts. AgriLife Communications will support agents in
this role.</li>
<li class="last">Help the Animal Issues Committee (AIC), County
Judge/EMC set up a shelter and livestock supply point to feed and care
for displaced animals.</li>
</ul>
<br />
3. <strong>CEAs ANR will work with the EMC and AIC to determine if the County Animal Issues Plan should be activated.</strong> The Texas Animal Health Commission is the lead agency during livestock or animal related emergencies.<br />
<br />
4. <strong>Activate the AgriLife Extension County Office Disaster Plan.</strong><br />
<br />
5. <strong>Notify the DEA or RPD(s) if the incident requires Extension resources/actions that are not available locally.</strong><br />
<br />
6. <strong>District Extension Administrators will lead daily
teleconference call with impacted counties. County Coordinators should
be prepared to give daily situation reports on this call.</strong>
Situation reports will include information on resources the agency has
used for emergency management preparedness, mitigation, response and
recovery.<br />
<br />
7. <strong>In the event of a Presidential</strong> Disaster
Declaration, CEAs may be asked to report activates weekly for inclusion
on the Emergency Time and Effort Form. This report is due to the DEA
before 5:00 o.m. each Friday during response and recovery.<br />
<br />
8.<strong> CEAs ANR are responsible for helping USDA FSA County Emergency Boards complete ad USDA Loss Assessment Report (LAR).</strong><br />
<br />
9. <strong>As first responders bring the emergency incident under
control, CEAs coordinate with county departments and state or federal
agencies to plan a public meeting to communicate;</strong><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li class="first">the organizations and agencies that are working on recovery,</li>
<li>the programs that are available to assist with current needs, and</li>
<li class="last">other topics relevant to the situation in the county.</li>
</ul>
<br />
10. <strong>CEA strike team members will responded as needed /requested to help in disaster situations.</strong><br />
<br />
<em><strong>Content for this article was obtained from Extension
publication E-252 entitled “The CEA’s Responsibilities in Emergency
Management.”</strong></em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><u><em>District 11 4-H Round Up and Multi Judging Contests</em></u></strong></span><br />
<br />
I would like to thank each and every one of you that have assisted with the last two Saturday District events. Your commitment and attention to detail has been great. The 4-H District 4-H events were provided to our young people with professionalism and enthusiasm. The events have been very much consistent with the quality of contest only expected in District 11. I know it is hard to work these many Saturday's and will have another this Saturday with District 4-H Fashion Show. Many times we sacrifice our own family events to make sure that 4-H opportunities are provided. We will also be working to provide mock interviews this week in preparing our senior members with their upcomming scholorship interviews. <br />
<br />
Again thank you for rallying together and working together as committees in the District, it is clearly noted. DM <br />
<br />
<strong><em><u><span style="font-size: large;">District 11 Personnel News:</span></u></em></strong><br />
<br />
New agents in the District starting this month are <em><strong>Ms. Tina Trevino</strong></em>, new FCS agent in Calhoun County. Wow!! all positions in Calhoun County are filled! Tina transferred from the Agrilife EFNEP position in Webb County( District 12). <br />
<br />
<strong><em>Ms. Tanya McConagill</em></strong>, New FCS agent in Washington County started today, with her First step training in Fayette County. Please join me in welcoming these two new agents to District 11.<br />
<br />
Interviews are set for the Austin County 4-H position for Monday. I will be meeting with the Jackson County court to finalize our candidate for the FCS position next month. Also keep Kelvin Neal in your prayers, he is going through some heart procedures this week. Hope he gets well soon. DM <br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17850961002096023118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8403107631383230347.post-92044085757076820052012-04-03T15:01:00.000-07:002012-04-03T15:35:42.184-07:00Focusing on Texas Agrilife Extension's VisionThe last two years have been a little tough to say the least. Obviously we have focused much time and effort on budgetary challenges that have lead to county staff realignment. However , in the aftermath of recent county realignments it is important to focus on our vision which is<strong> "to be the premier 21st Century <span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="background-color: white;">outreach</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"> and </span>continuing education organization in Texas responding to the needs of the people." </strong><br />
<br />
During such times it is important that we reflect on this vision and focus our efforts individually and collectively on the efforts that will enable Texas Agrilife Extension Service to achieve a level of success that accomplishes this vision. <br />
<br />
Some of the fundamental elements we need to continue to focus on in our outreach and continuing education roles include;<br />
<ul>
<li class="first">County Extension Agents must provide
quality programs that address local issues and results in measurable
outcomes. Remember, our programs are how clientele, stakeholders, and
elected officials judge Texas AgriLife Extension Service.</li>
<li>Ensuring that Texas AgriLife Extension Service programs are visible
in the community. Quality programs are of limited value if only a small
number of people in the county are aware of the programs.</li>
<li>County Extension Agents must continue to stay currently competent and
professional. Competency and professionalism is only accomplished
through effective on boarding of new agents and on going professional
development for more tenured agents.</li>
<li>Ensuring that our stakeholders and elected officials are aware of
the impact of Texas AgriLife Extension Service programs. This is only
accomplished through strategies that
communicate public value to elected officials and stakeholders.</li>
<li>Your assistance in helping me to
implement recruiting strategies that will provide Texas AgriLife
Extension Service with a diverse, highly qualified workforce in the
future. </li>
<li class="last">Working to
implement strategies to diversify our funding. Some examples that
should be explored regarding diversifying funding strategies include
Partial Cost Recovery that is utilized to increase the capacity of the
agency, partnerships with municipalities,grants to fund specialized
programs, and/or partnerships with other organizations such as school
districts or underground water districts to deliver specialized
programming.</li>
</ul>
<div class="last">
<br /></div>
<div class="last">
Our clientele, committees members, cooperators and volunteer leaders are looking to you in your county for <strong><u>Leadership!</u></strong> It is important to embrace the concept that our agency will continue to be as relevant as it has been in the past and for the future as or society evolves. </div>
<div class="last">
</div>
<div class="last">
</div>
<div class="last">
</div>
<div class="last">
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Upcoming District 11 4-H Spring Contests and Events</span></div>
<div class="last">
</div>
<div class="last">
</div>
<div class="last">
With our upcoming contests comes more challenges for me ,with out a District 11 4-H specialist, however we are extremely fortunate to have Sharon Thompson at the district office working to ensure that I don't forget something. I am also looking to your leadership and commitment in insuring that we come together and provide the best possible experience to our youth people and their leaders during District 4-H Round Up, multi county judging ,ID contests, rifle match, CDM and many other events during the Spring and into the Summer. I want to remind all of you that you all are youth educators, and will be involved in some way with our contests and events. These dates have been on the calender form some time so please plan on doing your part to assit when needed. </div>
<div class="last">
</div>
<div class="last">
</div>
<div class="last">
I will be making round up assignments soon, as we process all of the entries that were finalized last night. It is unfortunate that we must have to check ages of youth after you have certified the entries. When you certify the entry you are just doing that which means you are checking that that participant is eligible for participation in the certain event. Also please try to get your 4-H members to register on 4-H connect early in the future. We will stick to our deadlines. Some more deadlines will be coming up soon so make sure you stay current. </div>
<div class="last">
</div>
<div class="last">
</div>
<div class="last">
I will be making most if not all of the 4-H Events this spring and summer so if you need me to haul something to you please let me know. </div>
<div class="last">
</div>
<div class="last">
</div>
<div class="last">
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">District 11 Spring Faculty Conference- May 22-23 Edna, Texas</span></div>
<div class="last">
</div>
<div class="last">
</div>
<div class="last">
You all should have the Spring Conference on your calender as we are now just asking for two administrative meetings a year. One in the Fall for programing and one in the spring. I am currently working on the agenda. We will also have an early evening social, meal and award presentation on the 22nd. Please plan on staying for the evening program. </div>
<div class="last">
</div>
<div class="last">
</div>
<div class="last">
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Personnel Changes in District 11</span></div>
<div class="last">
</div>
<div class="last">
</div>
<div class="last">
Recently I was informed that <strong>Ms. Talma Benavides</strong>, Nueces County FCS agent will be retiring at the end of the month. Talma has had a great Extension Carrer. For the last 34 years Talma has made a real difference in the lives of Texans in several counties. Please join me in congratulating Talma on her great career accomplishment. </div>
<div class="last">
</div>
<div class="last">
</div>
<div class="last">
The RPD's and my self have been busy in filling positions. Help me welcome <strong>Ms. Alyssa Smith</strong>, as she assumed her new role as the new Victoria County 4-H agent this week, Alyssa finished her first step opportunity in Bexar County. </div>
<div class="last">
</div>
<div class="last">
Finalists have been identified for Calhoun FCS , Jackson County FCS, and Washington County FCS and I will meet the courts starting next week. </div>
<div class="last">
</div>
<div class="last">
The Austin County 4-H position has come open externally. I am also actively recruiting for the remaining internal positions. So if you know a good agent wanting to move give me a call we have a few spots to fill, DM </div>
<div class="last">
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Monthly Reports</span><br />
<br />
Some of you were reminded that you were late getting in your monthly reports in last month. I have asked Diana Moglia at our office to remind you each and every month on the 8th that you are late submitting your reports on the Texas System. It is important that you submit your report by the end of each quarter, however it is much easier to stay current on a monthly timeline. Diana will be compiling a data base on your reporting and forwarding it to me for use during next years performance reviews. Please have your reports in to Texas by the end of the 7th of each month. You are also reminded that you have a professional obligation to provide me with email copies of county commissioners reports , office confrences and travel. <br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">County Websites</span><br />
<br />
I have also asked Velma Villalon at our office to monitor your websites for current information. She will be reviewing you websites for current information and also reporting back to me on a monthly basis. It is extremely important that our websites are current with the best quality information for our clientele. Our web sites are no different than our front door to our offices. The only difference is that our Websites are open 24/7. She will also be looking for video footage you have posted using your flip cameras. </div>
<div class="last">
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<div class="last">
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<div class="last">
<br /></div>
<div class="last">
<br /></div>
<ul>
</ul>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17850961002096023118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8403107631383230347.post-61293261302667271382012-03-02T14:11:00.001-08:002012-03-02T14:26:23.582-08:00Spring Red Flag Fire Warnings in Texas<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">With Red Flag
Alerts in parts of Texas this spring it is imperative that all County Extension
Agents be reminded regarding their responsibilities in emergency management.
The following outlines the roles and responsibilities of a County Extension
Agent during the response and recovery phases of an emergency;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1. <b>Immediately
contact me District Extension Administrator and provide a detailed report on
the incident.</b> If the DEA is not available contact a Regional Program
Director. If the DEA and RPDs are not available, contact the office of the
Associate Director for County Programs.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2. <b>Contact the
County Judge and Emergency Management Coordinator.</b> CEAs should offer
assistance and determine if other parts of the County Emergency Management Plan
have been activated. CEAs should carry out the following emergency response and
recovery activities at the request of the County Judge and/or Emergency
Management Coordinator:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 48pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">CEAs ANR on the County Emergency Board
of USDA FSA will assess agricultural damages and establish criteria by which
the county judge initiates an agricultural disaster declaration.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 48pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Where appropriate, help the county
officials write the formal request for external resources. Agents should do
this by completing the Incident Command System Form 213 (requires signature of
county judge or EMC). The DEA and RPD(s) can help as needed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 48pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Act as Public Information Officer and
lead the county’s electronic and mass media efforts. AgriLife Communications
will support agents in this role.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 48pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Help the Animal Issues Committee
(AIC), County Judge/EMC set up a shelter and livestock supply point to feed and
care for displaced animals.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3. <b>CEAs ANR
will work with the EMC and AIC to determine if the County Animal Issues Plan
should be activated.</b> The Texas Animal Health Commission is the lead agency
during livestock or animal related emergencies.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4. <b>Activate
the AgriLife Extension County Office Disaster Plan.</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5. <b>Notify the
DEA or RPD(s) if the incident requires Extension resources/actions that are not
available locally.</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">6. <b>District
Extension Administrators will lead daily teleconference call with impacted
counties. County Coordinators should be prepared to give daily situation
reports on this call.</b> Situation reports will include information on
resources the agency has used for emergency management preparedness,
mitigation, response and recovery.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">7. <b>In the
event of a Presidential</b> Disaster Declaration, CEAs may be asked to report
activates weekly for inclusion on the Emergency Time and Effort Form. This
report is due to the DEA before 5:00 o.m. each Friday during response and
recovery.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">8.<b> CEAs ANR
are responsible for helping USDA FSA County Emergency Boards complete ad USDA
Loss Assessment Report (LAR).</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">9. <b>As first
responders bring the emergency incident under control, CEAs coordinate with
county departments and state or federal agencies to plan a public meeting to
communicate;</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 48pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">the organizations and agencies that
are working on recovery,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 48pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">the programs that are available to
assist with current needs, and<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 48pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">other topics relevant to the situation
in the county.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">10. <b>CEA strike
team members will responded as needed /requested to help in disaster
situations.</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Barriers
to the Adoption of Distance Technology in Program Delivery</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">How do Extension professionals take advantage of new
technology trends? In a study conducted by Elizabeth Wells at Michigan State
University Extension reported the following (Segars, 2011);<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">•97% of participants had never edited a wiki.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">•89% had never exchanged an instant message with a
colleague or client.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">•73% had never posted an article to a website or
blog.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To promote the use of both new and traditional
methods, a blend of delivery methods should be used when transferred to a
program setting at the county and state levels (Segars,2011). Offering high
tech and high touch programming to satisfy the needs of traditional,
contemporary, and future clientele is best.(Segars, 2011). Such a method would
require providing training in the implementation of blended learning
opportunities for programs by mixing technology with traditional on-site
educational delivery (Segars, 2011). Programming that would stem from such
training (keep in mind this would include the adjusted definition of Extension
programming) would include face-to-face sessions or events, online newsletters,
routine informational “tweets” via Twitter, and frequent use of various social
media outlets in conjunction with routine blogging (Segars, 2011).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">An example of one of these programs will be held
Tuesday March 6th, via the web through LYNC for a the Drought Management
Symposium for Range and Pasture hosted at the District 11 Center by Nueces
County. The symposium will be broadcastered to 8 county locations mostly in
District 12. The program is a full day of programs by our District specialist
with assistance from some researchers. This is a great opportunity for
clientele to come to a county location and view live presentations for
presenters from a central location saving all involved much travel dollars. For
more information on Tuesdays program contact Megan Dominquez or Pete Flores. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">References: <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Segars, J., (2011). The New Digital [St]age:
Barriers to the Adoption and Adaptation of New Technologies to Deliver
Extension Programming and How to Address Them. Journal of Extension [On-line],
49 (1) Article 1FEA1. Available athttp://www.joe.org/joe/2011february/a1.php<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wells, E. (2009). MSUE Educators’ perceptions of the
use of technology in their work. Michigan; Author.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">District
11 4-H Management<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 5pt; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well, I made my first week without Jodi McManus, as you all know Jodi
changed jobs and we wish Kyle, Molly, and Jodi the best. We are certainly going
to miss Jodi's direction and leadership as our District 11 Specialist. Dr.
Chris Boleman has started the process in filling the position. I know that he
will do his best to find an individual to keep our program strong for many
years to come. I am counting on your increased involvement and leadership in
making sure that our District 11 4-H program opportunities available during the
absence of our district specialist. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I will assume most of the management with assistance from our District
support staff Mrs. Sharon Thompson. We will keep you informed and help to provide
you with your answers to many of your questions. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">However, we need to pay extra attention to detail especially moving into
the spring contests and events. I am confident with your leadership we will
continue to provide the same great opportunities for our members and leaders in
this interim period. I am trying to recruit all best possible candidates for
the position. If you think of someone in our agency that would have interest
please let me know. DM</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Personnel News:</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Last month was a
very hard month for most of us, we lost a valuable coworker in <b><u>Duane
Campion, San Patricio County Extension Agent. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></u></b>Duane passed away suddenly and shocked
many of us that would see him regularly. Thank you to all that came to the
services to comfort Duane's family. It is with great sadness I feel in losing a
member of our Extension family. Duane's passing certainly made many of us step
back and value the many good things in our lives. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Please welcome <b><u>Ryan
Damborsky our new Calhoun County Ag/NR agent</u></b> staring this week in his
new appointment. Ryan completed his first step program in Matagroda County. We
are look for great things from Ryan in Calhoun County. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Monday I will meet
the court to finalize our new appointment for the vacant Victoria County 4-H
agent. I will announce the individual after it is official on Monday. This
individual will participate in the first step program in Bexar County and start
in Victoria on April 1st. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was fortunate
to attend a great retirement reception for <b><u>Mr. Joseph Janak, Victoria
County Ag/NR agent.</u></b> Joe retired after 35 years of service to our agency
this month. I certainly admire Joe Janak as a friend, mentor and of course a
great Ag agent for many years in District 14 and 11. Joe's work ethic and
expertise in various areas of agriculture can never be replaced; he has truly
made a difference in the many lives of individuals in St. Augustine, and
Victoria Counties. The reception was excellent with over 200 people attending,
Many specialists form here in Corpus Christi and College Station were in
attendance. Dr. Darrell Dromgoole our Associate Director for County programs
was present to help honor Joe. Many of you know that Dr. Dromgoole, trained in
Victoria county under Joe Janak, Dr. Droogoole provided some excellent words at
the reception in tribute to Joe Janak's outstanding career. Congratulations to
Joe and his wife Carol and the entire Janak family. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
John O'Connell, Matagorda County Marine Resource Agent , will be transferring to Brazoria County starting April 1st. I wish John well in his new appointment, and thank him for his many years of service to District 11. John has provided great leadership and outstanding programs for his clientele as agent in Calhoun and Matagorda County. Good Luck John!! </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 6pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Elaine Fries and I are in the process
of identifying candidates and interview dates are set for Washington County
FCS, Calhoun County FCS and Jackson County FCS positions as they have recently
been released externally. Other positions are internal and I am seeking
applicants from within our agency. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17850961002096023118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8403107631383230347.post-6294977285209896202012-01-17T07:47:00.000-08:002012-01-17T07:51:59.419-08:00Guadalupe County –Making a Difference in 2011<h2 class="storytitle">
Guadalupe County –Making a Difference in 2011</h2>
<br />
<div class="storycontent">
<div class="entry">
One of the innovative approaches for interpreting
programs and increasing Extension visibility is the utilization of short
videos that can be utilized with Commissioners, Legislators and other
leaders. This approach is being incorporated with our traditional
program interpretation efforts could be very effectively in
many of our counties. Some of the basic elements that this venue provides is
the…<br />
<ul>
<li class="first">Opportunity to reach busy elected officials and
staffers with a brief and concise message that communicates programmatic
outcomes.</li>
<li>Opportunity to add value to traditional program interpretation efforts.</li>
<li class="last">Opportunity to package interpretation message for technology savvy audiences.</li>
</ul>
To view the most recent example of one of these videos done in Guadalupe County click on the following;<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=FIPV6KYR29A">http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=FIPV6KYR29A</a><br />
<br />
District 11 staff, I hope that each of you are using the flip video cameras that we sent you to capture video and or pictures to make such interpretation pieces such as in Guadalupe County. This video was created using the Animoto software with still pictures, the software is free off the Internet. I thought that you would find this clip interesting and provide you ideas for your own. I am looking foward to seeing these clips from District 11 staff. DM </div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17850961002096023118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8403107631383230347.post-37067950389173956102012-01-06T09:55:00.000-08:002012-01-06T12:10:48.955-08:00New Year!!! New Opportunities in 2012!!!<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">We are a week into the new year and moving past the holiday season to one of the busiest times of the
year. January brings a new start to our programs as we focus on our clientele
in addressing their needs. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
With the dawning of a new year, comes an abundance of new opportunities for
Texas AgriLife Extension. The opportunities, accomplishments, and milestones we
celebrated in 2011 are not to be overlooked, as I review you programing at
recent future performance reviews I am amazed at all of the programs and successes
as you meet your and in many cases exceed your expectations. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
As true leaders in your county and communities you should look to the future
and how you can continue your high quality programs in 2012. Texas Agrilife Extension
will excel if leaders and managers in our counties take steps to aggressively
advance our programs based our our grassroots issues identified by our
committees. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
With the help of our RPD's you have designed a plan in the TeXas system. Use
this system as your calendar to make a difference at the end of each day. Make
it a priority to meet the tasks and goals that you have set for yourself in
2012. Remember you are in control of your calendar use your time wisely. In
just one of the many initiatives that I will try to continue to reinforce in
District 11 is our:<span style="font-family: "SymbolMT","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Rockwell-Bold","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">“</span>Back
to Basics” Program Development Initiative</strong>- The hallmark of Extension programming
has been our involvement of clientele committees in identifying issues, program
planning, implementation of programs, and interpretation of programs. An
increased focus on committee effectiveness will improve programs, ensure our
relevance and enhance our interpretation capacity.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
As you have noticed I have included <u><strong>the old or for some of you
the new</strong></u> program development spreadsheet in your performance
reviews documentation. I believe it is extremely important to show the
structure of your committees as you document the many meetings, and participation
of your members. We will continue to move back to the basics in program development
to strengthen our county programs. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><u>District 11 Outlook Calendar</u></strong><br />
</span>
I would like to remind you that if you have district events or multi county events that you would like to place on the District outlook calendar please send those in to Sylvia Falcon at our district office. We are working on a new District website and if you have pictures of your programming please send those in to Diana Moglia so she can incorporate them in to the websites when possiable.<br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><u>District 11 County Judges and Commissioners Conference:</u></strong></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN2cRaBVF21z1_xTLIkCw6bChnQjtTi9ZmLBlrDoHuVqVROgcoU872m4bGKS-QO6c_jwGvaW3JbB8BfO3liWV2Abl3XnTn2wtCJjPoSMuR4tY2rPzPopZ_M8cs3Adn0gqpAVBsny_Upvxh/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN2cRaBVF21z1_xTLIkCw6bChnQjtTi9ZmLBlrDoHuVqVROgcoU872m4bGKS-QO6c_jwGvaW3JbB8BfO3liWV2Abl3XnTn2wtCJjPoSMuR4tY2rPzPopZ_M8cs3Adn0gqpAVBsny_Upvxh/s320/015.JPG" style="cursor: move;" unselectable="on" width="320" /></a></div>
The conference recently held in Sinton, at the San Patrico County Fair Grounds was a great success. I want to thank Kathy Farrow for her great leadership in chairing the event and working as a great host. Adrian Arredondo also provided much help during the conference. Thanks to Heather Ware, Becky Ham, Kayla Kaspar, Anthony Netardus, and JD Folbre for working to coordinate speakers. Thanks to Michael Donalson ,Matt Bochat and our office manager Barbara Moretich for helping with registration and facility arrangements. Others on the District Marketing committee provided posters of outstanding outcomes for the conference. We had 2 county judges, and 31 county commissioners with 11 counties represented, we also had 2 state representatives address the group. Also I want to thank Dr. Droomgoole for attending and addressing the group. <br />
<br />
This Conference continue to provide me
with excellent opportunities to highlight educational program outcomes,
enhance relationships, solidify partnerships and provide County
Commissioners with valuable continuing education.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><u>Reminder- Customer Satisfaction Counties for FY2012-2013</u></strong></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><div class="post-3462 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-reinforce-accountability-and-interpretation" id="post-3462">
<div class="post-content right-col">
<div class="storycontent">
<div class="entry">
The customer satisfaction program within Texas AgriLife
Extension Service is designed to help ensure the agency continues to
provide timely, relevant, and effective educational programs to the
citizen of Texas. It is also a state-mandated performance measure for
our agency. Counties need to give attention and care to this data
collection effort as its critical to our agency’s continued existence
and programmatic success.</div>
<div class="entry">
</div>
<div class="entry">
Organizational Development has designed two sets of scan forms
(standard and with client change) that counties can choose from to meet
their customer satisfaction reporting requirement</div>
<div class="entry">
</div>
<div class="entry">
<strong>Counties required to participate in customer satisfaction reporting for FY 12-13 are listed below:</strong></div>
<div class="entry">
<ul>
<li class="first">Calhoun</li>
<li>Dewitt</li>
<li>Goliad</li>
<li class="last">Matagorda</li>
</ul>
</div>
<br />
<strong>What a Required County Must Do to Comply</strong><br />
<ol>
<li>Each agent within a required county must use any version of a <a href="http://od.tamu.edu/evaluation/scan-forms/download-forms/customer-satisfaction-scan-forms/" target="_blank">standard or customer satisfaction with outcomes scan form</a> (click here to download forms <a href="http://od.tamu.edu/evaluation/scan-forms/download-forms/customer-satisfaction-scan-forms/">http://od.tamu.edu/evaluation/scan-forms/download-forms/customer-satisfaction-scan-forms/</a>) for at least two program events within the fiscal year (September 1 – August 31).</li>
<li>Submit the scan forms from step 1 and a completed cover sheet to
Organizational Development for processing (click here for mailing
instructions <a href="http://od.tamu.edu/evaluation/scan-forms/sending-your-forms/">http://od.tamu.edu/evaluation/scan-forms/sending-your-forms/</a>).
Also, to ensure agents meet the outcome summary reporting deadline
(typically in early December) they should not sit on their completed
forms; send them in ASAP as processing volume around the deadline is
heavy and takes longer than usual.</li>
<li>Steps 1 and 2 must be done by each agent within a required county for each fiscal year (FY12 & FY13)</li>
</ol>
Due to the oversight of various funding partners it is imperative
that Texas AgriLife Extension Service monitor the satisfaction of our
clientele as it relates to programs. Failure to comply with performance
measures, such as customer satisfaction, can severely impact
appropriated funding. Compliance with this performance measure will be
treated as a significant part of your professional obligations.</div>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Success in Extension</span></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><strong>Distance Education Initiative- <o:p></o:p></strong><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
The utilization of technology in program delivery can add value to our
traditional program delivery methods and increase our effectiveness in reaching
certain audiences. Establish expectations for the utilization of technology in
program delivery. We must quit talking about technology assisted learning and
provide leadership to ensure the adoption of innovative program delivery that
adds value to our traditional program delivery.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Some of these include utilization of
Lync, eXtension, on-line learning modules and the future development and
utilization of Smartphone applications in program delivery. An example of the
utilization of distance education in program delivery is the organization of
five hands on workshops in District 1 and District 2 scheduled in January 2012
that will provide producers with information on how to optimize agricultural
applications for iPhones and iPads including a risk management "app"
developed by Texas AgriLife Extension Services' risk management team. This is
just one example of program delivery methods that are being utilized to address
the educational needs of clientele. </span></div>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><strong>Such tools as our IT Tuesday workshps are ways to develop your skill set in moving toward real Distance Edcational Programing. Below is an upcomming workshop to help you work with your new websites.</strong> <br />
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>This workshop:</b> “</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Move your County Webpage from
the 90s to the 00s! </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>When:</b> Tuesday January 10, 2012 9:30 to 11:00
a.m.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Instructors:</b> Jeffrey SoRelle and Greg Thomas<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Session Description:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">This session will focus on simplifying and making your website's
landing "the first page on your website" look and feel like it has
had a makeover.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">We will use before and after demonstrations to show you want you
can do make you county webpage landing look amazing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">All county websites were moved from the TECO system into the
Wordpress system with very little filtering or cleaning up of the
content.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">This session will focus on:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Removing
that old content</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Adding
new video to the video link</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Adding a
podcast</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Adding
and removing widgets</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Adding
and removing page tabs</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Adding a
photo slide show</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">And
customizing the look and feel of the site. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">About signing up:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Go to </span><a href="https://first-call.tamu.edu/centra.php"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">https://first-call.tamu.edu/centra.php</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Login to Centra <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Click on Enrollment <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Search for IT Tuesday in the Event Name Search box Or select
the start date<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Select the event<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Click Enroll<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Keep up with IT Tuesday and new IT learning
opportunities! Join us on Facebook at <span style="color: #1f497d;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/ITTuesday"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.facebook.com/ITTuesday</span></a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Keep up with the latest IT Tips – </span><a href="http://ittoolbox.tamu.edu/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://ittoolbox.tamu.edu</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Need help? Contact us – </span><a href="http://first-call.tamu.edu/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://first-call.tamu.edu</span></a><br />
<br />
<u><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Personnel News:</span></strong></u> Welcome to Erika Bochat , as our new Victoria County FCS Agent, Erika started this week and has already made an impact in attending committee meetings and setting up her office. Please join me in welcoming Erika to her new appointment. </div>
<img height="72" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN2cRaBVF21z1_xTLIkCw6bChnQjtTi9ZmLBlrDoHuVqVROgcoU872m4bGKS-QO6c_jwGvaW3JbB8BfO3liWV2Abl3XnTn2wtCJjPoSMuR4tY2rPzPopZ_M8cs3Adn0gqpAVBsny_Upvxh/s320/015.JPG" style="filter: alpha(opacity=30); left: 544px; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 882px;" width="96" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17850961002096023118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8403107631383230347.post-64442479218201734952011-11-22T11:46:00.001-08:002011-11-22T13:15:45.728-08:00<h3 class="post-title entry-title">
Conducting Effective Performance Appraisals-
Pre – Appraisal Process </h3>
<br />
<div class="post-body entry-content">
An agent’s
performance has a significant impact on The Texas AgriLIFE Extension Service
capacity to fulfill its mission. However, the effectiveness of the performance
appraisal conference is directly correlated to the preparation prior to the
conference itself. If the Pre-Appraisal process is to be effective the
Extension agent must …</div>
<div class="post-body entry-content">
<ul>
<li class="first">Finalize monthly reports on the TeXas System.
</li>
<li>Finalize all County Commissioner’s Court reports.
</li>
<li>Submit annual outcome summaries
</li>
<li>Review support materials provided to DEA in monthly reports.
</li>
<li>Review interpretation materials that communicate programmatic outcomes.
</li>
<li>Review County Media Efforts, such as program area newsletters, radio
programs, news releases
</li>
<li>Complete our Making a Difference Documents- out come and/or out put
summaries
</li>
<li>Review 4-H enrollment goals
</li>
<li>Review your inter disciplinary programs
</li>
<li>Review your Showcase Events(including participation of Elected officials)
</li>
<li>Review Multi-County Programs, Result Demonstrations and tours.
</li>
<li>Review Leadership Advisory Board and Youth Board Events. </li>
</ul>
</div>
Your
Performance Reviews are being scheduled starting in December. Barbara Moretich will be giving you a call to schedule your PAS. I am going to complete this task this year by going to five locations in the District. I may conduct some of these confrences on LYNC.<br />
<br />
I will also send you an email this week
in preparation for your PAS as to know what to prepare for. I truly appreciate
all of you hard work, on my behalf it is great to get see all the excellent
programs you provide to your clientele during the year. I am very fortunate to
work with the best agents in the state.<br />
<br /><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">San Antonio Livestock Exposition- Leadership Extension</span> <br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The “Leadership Extension” program is designed to provide
Extension faculty with an opportunity to develop comprehensive leadership
skills. Beginning in May 2012, Class X will consist of four, four day
sessions held at six month intervals. The sessions will be held at three
different locations across the state and one session in Louisiana. Each
session will cover a wide variety of leadership topics. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Extension faculty with at least<u> five years</u> of Extension
experience who aspires to enhance their leadership skills are eligible to
apply. I would ecourage perspective agents to the SALE-LE website at </span><a href="http://sale.tamu.edu./"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: windowtext;">http://sale.tamu.edu</span><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">.</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
Completed applications are due in our office by <span style="color: #660000;"><strong>December 1, 2011</strong></span>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="color: #274e13;">
<span style="font-size: large;">District 11 4-H
Events and Activities</span></div>
<br />
Looks like we had a great District
11 Crossroads, a big thanks to those of you that assisted with the planning and
implementation of the event. We now move on over to the <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">District 11 Food Show and The Coastal Bend
Classic</span></b> both on December 3rd , Looks like we are getting good
participation for both events. <span style="color: red;">We still need judges for the food show please find judges and send the information in to Sharon. </span><br />
Our focus needs to continue to be provide
our 4-H members and leaders with the best quality experience possible. If we can
remember to keep our focus among our many tasks associated at the end of the
year these two events will be greatly successful. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Major Show Entries due December 1st.
</span></span>Those of you that are preparing your entries for the major stock shows,
please be aware of the December 1st deadlines. It would be a good idea to review
your validation information so no one gets left out. I know this is a process
that can bring on much stress right before the holiday, however, please make
sure you double check your entries and validations keep good documentation as
every year problems always shows up. <b><u>Cover your tracks!!!!!</u></b><br />
<br /><br />
<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">District 11 Personnel News</span></u></strong><br />
This morning Refugio County Court approved Michael Donalson, as their new County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources. Michael will start on December 1st. Michael will start first step in San Patricio County. Michael comes highly recommended from Tarlton State University he will also be receiving his Masters Degree next month. Please help me to welcome Michael to District 11. <br />
<h3 class="post-title entry-title">
<a href="http://coastalbendagrilifeextension.blogspot.com/2009/11/happy-thanksgiving.html"><span style="color: #336699;">Happy
Thanksgiving!</span></a> </h3>
<div class="post-header">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaaq9Nvi62YVS9hlak1H-XQ9ImwXWiKYP3OaBt_y-NsYlkAnBfI2qlhGecIB3N7oFxD_xbUV9GJSy424onAIhU9ZZx-3uks9WFnvSeXueJfemBiWWs7EfFkDkgsChYrYDkFPsN9ayW85bR/s1600/index.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_arcdzw="2" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaaq9Nvi62YVS9hlak1H-XQ9ImwXWiKYP3OaBt_y-NsYlkAnBfI2qlhGecIB3N7oFxD_xbUV9GJSy424onAIhU9ZZx-3uks9WFnvSeXueJfemBiWWs7EfFkDkgsChYrYDkFPsN9ayW85bR/s200/index.jpg" width="195" /></a>I would like to wish our District 11 Extension
family a Happy Thanksgiving. I am fortunate to work with a great group of agents, specialists, and support staff in District 11 thank you for all you do. <br />
<br />
Everybody looks forward to the thanksgiving feast.
The turkey, the pies, and the celebration, football,shopping or even sitting in
a deer blind.<br />
<br />
However, thanksgiving is incomplete without a moment of
reflection. Spare a moment, and say a prayer of gratitude for life's little
blessings.<br />
<br />
For, it is these little blessings that enrich our life. Here is a
quote, that I was forwarded on Twitter, that I wanted to share.<br />
<div class="tweet-row">
<div class="tweet-text tweet-text-large">
<b><i>If you learn to appreciate more
of what you already have, you'll find yourself having more to appreciate.
-Michael Angier</i></b></div>
</div>
I hope you can send some quality time with
your family and friends this Thanksgiving. If you will be traveling be careful
on those busy highways. DMAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17850961002096023118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8403107631383230347.post-42895480562507236612011-11-11T07:51:00.001-08:002011-11-11T12:48:01.847-08:002011 Outcome Summaries Due Dec. 1stTelling our Story”. You will hear this as one of the most important jobs we do as employees for the Texas AgriLife Extension Service.Accountability is central to the relevance of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service. As a state agency, who receives funding from federal, state, local, and grant/contract sources, we must be good stewards of the funding we receive.<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Accountability Framework</strong></span><br />
Accountability of our program is a high priority for everyone in Texas AgriLife Extension Service. It allows us to tell our story as well as make corrections in educational programs.<br />
Interpreting evaluation results and marketing those results to stakeholders is very important. If the Extension educator does not interpret and market these results, how will the community and stakeholders know the results of the evaluation?<br />
When interpreting program results, the Extension educator should address the “3 R’s”. These are: Relevance, Response, and Results.<br />
<ul>
<li class="first">Relevance – What was the relevance of the program?</li>
<li>Response – How did Texas AgriLife Extension Service respond to the relevant program?</li>
<li class="last">Results – What are the results? What happened as a result of the educational program?</li>
</ul>
Answering the “3 R’s” provides the stakeholder with sufficient background and evidence of what the program was, how it was addressed, and what happened as a result of the program. Typically, the Extension educator would develop a one-two page summary revealing the “3 R’s.” This is the time to be creative and so something exciting that will draw the stakeholder in. It is important to use table, graphs, and / or pictures to reveal the impact of the program. The template that all County Extension Agents should use for their outcome summary and the county annual report can be found at:<br />
<a href="http://agrilife.org/communications/resources/extension/documents/"><span style="color: #004a61;">http://agrilife.org/communications/resources/extension/documents/</span></a><br />
<a href="http://agrilife.org/communications/files/2010/07/countyreport-extension.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Annual Report - County" border="0" class="d-resourcesthumb" height="200" src="http://agrilife.org/communications/files/2010/07/countyreport-extension.gif" width="200" /></a>The new templates including public value statements can also be found in the task bar on the right of the web site. <br />
<br />
Most organizations have numerous stakeholders. Extension educators must decide who they should market their results to. Some examples include:<br />
<ul>
<li class="first">The Community – through media outlets if possible.</li>
<li>The County Committee</li>
<li>Program participants</li>
<li>Extension colleagues</li>
<li>Commissioner’s court and county judge</li>
<li>Texas AgriLife Extension Service administrators / County Directors / District Extension Administrators / Regional Program Directors</li>
<li class="last">Community and state legislators</li>
</ul>
Texas AgriLife Extension Service’s mission is to provide quality, relevant outreach and continuing education programs and services to the people of Texas. In order to this effectively, it is imperative that each Extension educator in the agency develop educational programs in a strategic and systematic way. Texas AgriLife Extension Service’s Program Development Model provides these steps to address when developing educational programs. The success of this agency is based on providing quality, relevant programs that have defensible results.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: red;">District 11 County Extension Agents Outcome summaries are due on December 1st, please send your document by email to me and cc Barbara Moretich. Your County Making a Diffrence Document (Annual Report) is due by December 15th. </span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">District 11 County Judges and Commissioner Conference set for December 13th</span><br />
Our annual County judges and commissioners conference is set for December 13th, at the San Patricio County Civic Center located on the grounds of the San Patricio County Fairgrounds in Sinton, Texas. The conference has been developed by our District marketing and interpretation committee. Topics of discussion will include, use of social media in the workplace, Economic implications of pipeline infrastructure within the Eagle Ford Shale, Rural Fire Emergency management panel, and updates on legislative issues. Also in attendance we will have State Representatives Todd Hunter and Raul Torres both from Corpus Christi. Each County Judge and Commissioner in our District will be getting a letter of invitation to the conference. I expect for each agent to make personally follow up on the invitation and personally invite your judge and or commissioners to the the conference. The conference will provide 5 hours of continuing education toward their requirements. Our members of the marketing and interpretation committee are: Ginger Easton-Smith, Shamaine St. Julian, Rhonda Cummins, Anthony Netardus, Kayla Kaspar, Becky Ham, JD Folbre, Brent Batchelor, Zach Davis, Kathy Farrow, Kelvin Neal, and Dianne Gertson. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">District 11 Ag Retreat- El Campo, Texas</span><br />
<br />
The District 11 Ag Retreat was held this past week in El Campo Texas hosted by Peter McGuill, Brent Batchelor, and John O'Connel. This was an excellent retreat including great tours of Prasek's Hillge Smokehouse and Green Leaf Nursery. I want to thank Dr. Megan Domiguez for conducting the grass identification contest for agents and Dupont and Dow Agrisciences for providing the excellent prizes. Congratulations to Phillp Shackelford for winning the pair of boots and 1st place, also Congratulations to Scott Willey for winning the rookie award. Thanks to Dr. Larry Falconer , Dr. Monty Dozier and Dr. Roy Parker for attending and providing their updates for our agents. <br />
<br />
Agents that presented at the retreat were Clyde Crumbley, Brian Yanta, John O'Connel and Jeff Stapper. These agents did a great job in presenting result demonstration data, using relevance, response and results with in their outcomes. Philip Shackleford presented a very good disucssion on how to develp a professional poster for professional meetings and other interprative events. <br />
<br />
The 2012 District Ag Retreat has been set for November 6th and 7th in Karnes County. There will be a clear expectation for all Agricultural agents to attend next year. TCAAA will still provide leadership to this Ag retreat each year. However all agents members of TCAAA or not will be expected to attend. 4-H agents with agricultural appointments will also be expected to attend next year. A big thanks goes out to the host agents for a great retreat and a great admosphere for fellowship. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Flip Video HD Cameras</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://store.theflip.com/img/en-us/minohd8gb2hr/black.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="MinoHD 8GB | 2 hr" border="0" class="product-img" id="ctl00_ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_ContentPlaceHolder1_BlackImage" src="http://store.theflip.com/img/en-us/minohd8gb2hr/black.png" style="border-width: 0px;" title="MinoHD 8GB | 2 hr" /></a>Each District 11 county will soon get a new Flip camera to use with your programing. These cameras are very easy to use in capturing just about anything associated with your programs and uploading the video to your computers, YouTube and your websites. The support of the Behmann Foundation provided an opportunity for Pete Flores to apply for a grant to supply all of our counties with the Flip Cameras. It will be required for each county to upload a total of four videos each year associated with all disciplines of county programing. <br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">County Email Boxes</span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c;">I was just made aware that some of our counties are not checking their county boxes since support staff have their own email addresses. It is important that the county boxes get checked once a day. Information is still being sent to the county box. For example if a client requests information for you though your web site they may choose the county box email to request information. I want to remind all agents and support staff that our web sites are no different than our front door of our offices. We should be inviting and accessible to our clientele. Agents ---you are ultimatly responsible for checking the county box , please designate some one to do so or check it yourselves. There are no plans that I know to do away with county boxes, till then we need to use our county boxes. </span><br />
<br /><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">District 11 Personnel News:</span> <br />
More changes this month in our District. Amy O'Brien-Glenn has resigned her position of FCS agent in Aransas County. Amy will help to run her parents business in Eastland Texas. We wish Amy luck in her future. <br />
<br />
Sam Womble has trasfered to Bandara County as the ANR agent in District 10 and started his new role this week. Shamaine St. Julian has accepted the position of 4-H agent in Harris County effective December 1st. Sam an Shamaine have provided great leadership in their respective counties and to District 11, I know that District 9 and 10 will be getting very high quality agents and we wish them much luck in their new counties. <br />
<br />
Joe Janak will be resigning after 34 years of service to Extension. Joe last day will be at the end of February. Please join me in congratulating Joe on his long distinguished Extension Career. <br />
I will meet with the Refugio County (ANR) and Washington County (4-H) County Courts this month to approve agents, soon these new agents will assume first step duties in San Patricio County and Austin County. We are in the process of identifying a finalist for the Victoria County FCS position and interviewing for the open 4-H position in Victoria County. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ZBq0MlM7YbtwXhJwFXbMOCb_ZGDGQDGnalmGTorv-PF3Z14pNVw-ASpR49PHD0fVEVSvQAKVj50CM0mtwnHwwczsys34IhD7Tc4VxbsShHoSLIqsJND_hHalnwqY0KGhDuEE992DDYJE/s1600/Corpus+Christi-20111108-00054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ZBq0MlM7YbtwXhJwFXbMOCb_ZGDGQDGnalmGTorv-PF3Z14pNVw-ASpR49PHD0fVEVSvQAKVj50CM0mtwnHwwczsys34IhD7Tc4VxbsShHoSLIqsJND_hHalnwqY0KGhDuEE992DDYJE/s200/Corpus+Christi-20111108-00054.jpg" width="148" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Molly Grace ready to go home </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We also have a new addition to the District 11 family, Miss Molly Grace McManus, she came into the world on Monday Nov. 7th, 8 lbs. 6 oz. and according to her dad , with a great pair of lungs. Congratulations to Kyle and Jodi McManus for their great blessing. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17850961002096023118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8403107631383230347.post-63691387813948204902011-10-20T14:32:00.000-07:002011-10-20T14:34:36.494-07:00District 11 Agents Interpret Success of One Day 4-H<h2 class="storytitle">
Agents Should Plan on Interpreting Success Associated with One Day 4-H</h2>
One of the keys to program interpretation is recognizing
opportunities to communicate program success to stakeholders when they
present themselves. Many times you as a County Extension Agent conduct very
effective programming efforts which result in measurable outcomes, then
move on to the next program without taking time to interpret the success
of the program they just completed.<br />
On October 8, 2011, Texas AgriLife Extension Service
provided the leadership in conducting a very effective service project
called One Day 4-H through our 4-H and Youth Development Program in all 18 counties in our District. There is no question that this
activity will result in tremendous success and agents should make a
special effort to interpret the results of their county project. <br />
The following is the type information that could be utilized in a effective interpretation effort;<br />
<ul>
<li class="first">Number of Projects in the county.</li>
<li>Number of 4-H Youth Involved.</li>
<li>Number of NON-4-H Youth Involved.</li>
<li>Number of Adults Involved.</li>
<li>Total Number of People Project reached/assisted.</li>
<li>Hours Took to Complete Project.</li>
<li>Value of Time Contributed (Independent Sector Value).</li>
<li>Number of lbs of food collected.</li>
<li>Value of the food collected.</li>
<li>Number of care packets made.</li>
<li>Value of care packets made.</li>
<li>Number of miles of road/beach/park cleaned.</li>
<li>Number of lbs of Trash collected or materials recycled.</li>
<li>Number of people reached by Educational Projects.</li>
<li>Money raised for other organizations.</li>
<li class="last">Number of new 4-H members recruited because of One Day 4-H.</li>
</ul>
Please remember to step back evaluate and reflect on the successes of your programing and use this as the motivation to interpret to our funding partners and prospective supporters of our programs.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Superior Service Award Nominations Deadline Extended to November 15, 2011</span></b><br />
Agent/staff recognition is a tool that reinforces and rewards the most
important outcomes agents and staff create for our District/County.
When we recognize agents and staff effectively, we reinforce the actions
and behaviors we most want to see agents and staff to repeat. An
effective employee recognition system is a powerful tool.<br />
<br />
One of the methods that can be
utilized to recognize agents and staff is by nominating them for the
2011 Texas AgriLife Extension Service Superior Service Award.<br />
<br />
Dr. Smith announced on October 4, 2011 that the nomination deadline
for the 2011 Superior Service Awards Nomination has be extended until<b><u>
November 15, 2011.</u></b> Guidelines and the online application can be found
at<a href="http://agrilife-extadmin.tamu.edu/SSA/"> http://agrilife-extadmin.tamu.edu/SSA/</a>.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">District 11 Ag Retreat Call for Presentations- Due Oct. 28th</span></b><br />
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In preparation for the upcoming District Ag Retreat November
8<sup>th</sup>, and 9<sup>th </sup> in El Campo, I wanted to
call for professional presentations from Ag. Marine, 4-H, and IPM agents planning
to attend the retreat. Each year we set time aside on the agenda for
presentations by agents on information that would be useful to the group in
terms of result demonstrations, new or innovative programing, and or results of
your 2010 outcome programing. The presentations may not be limited to
Agricultural programing, topics may include 4-H leadership, community and or
economic development etc. </div>
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The presentation should not be more than 15 minutes in
length and must include some type of professional visual aids such as but not
limited to a power point. It is expected that if you have not presented
in the past two years, you will present this year. This would be an
excellent opportunity to discuss a topic of your choice that would benefit
others in the district. This would also be a great opportunity to add to
your dossier. </div>
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I need for you to submit your intent to present to me by
email no later than October 28<sup>th</sup>, please include the topic of your
presentation, I will inform you if your presentation is selected for this
year’s presentations by November 1<sup>st</sup>. Give me a call if you
have any questions. DM </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Program Planning Conferences as success on LYNC</span></b></div>
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The new process of using LYNC for our program planning conferences were a success. I believe we had good interaction with out having to travel to a central location for at times limited assistance for agents that have done a great job in establishing there plans for 2012. I would like to remind agents that if you have plans that need to be revised due to suggestions from our RPD's and 4-H specialist please complete these by November 1st. These plans must be completed, submitted and approved by the RPD's by the 1st. If you need assistance and can not get your plans approved by the 1st we will encourage you to come to the Corpus Christi Center on November 14th for a face to face program planning conference to finalize your plans. Give me a call if you have any questions. </div>
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County Coordinators please remember to forward me an updated job responsibilities form for my approval by December 1st. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">2012 Professional Development Contract </span></b></div>
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As you know we no longer have plans and or tasks in TeXas
for your professional development activates. Please sign and forward me the contract for approval by the RPD and myself. Please
review the contract and select the activities that you will be attending in
2012. Please mail me a signed paper copy and I will forward to the RPDs
for their approval and signature. I need these contracts in by your designated
Program planning conference. </div>
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As you can imagine it is not easy to include all of the
activities, so please add any other conferences , professional meetings ,
symposiums, workshops, etc.. that you plan on attending during the year.
I have also selected some of these activities and added them to our D11
Extension outlook calendar for your reference. We can update unplanned activities during the year. </div>
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I also would like to remind you that this will be our
contract and your investment in your Professional Development for 2012.
This contract will also be used by the RPD’s and myself as a tool to gauge your
commitment in developing yourself as a professional educator in your county.Please refer to my email, on September 28th, 2011 for a copy of the contract. </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17850961002096023118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8403107631383230347.post-15363929030710455682011-09-30T15:15:00.000-07:002011-09-30T15:18:07.310-07:00District 11 County Judges and Commissioners Confrence Scheduled<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">One of the components of the County Programs “Making a Difference” Interpretation Initiative are District Judges and Commissioners Conferences that will be conducted in all of our Extension Districts .</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">District 11 Confrence - December 13, 2011- Sinton, Texas</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">These conferences provide a tremendous benefit for both our County Commissioner Court members and Texas AgriLife Extension Service. The following are some of the reasons that this component of our interpretation plan is critical;<br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: small;"><ul>
<li class="first">Enables me to solidify partnerships with County Commissioners Court members in their District 11.</li>
<li>Demonstrates Texas AgriLife Extension Service’s commitment to county government.</li>
<li>Provides an opportunity for Texas AgriLife Extension Service to showcase effective educational programs conducted in the District.</li>
<li>Provides customized professional development for County Commissioners within a District.</li>
<li class="last">Provides a venue for quality interpretation.</li>
</ul>
Agents should be reminded that District 11 “Making a Difference” Interpretation Initiative includes the following;<br />
<ul>
<li class="first">District Judges and Commissioners Conferences hosted by Marketing and Interpretation committee.</li>
<li>Utilization of the Extension Making a Difference Newsletters that communicates Texas AgriLife Extension’s public value. This newsletter will be published on an annual basis.</li>
<li>Utilization of the Extension Making a Difference annual reports that communicates Texas AgriLife Extension’s public value.</li>
<li>All Counties conduct formal interpretation events with County Commissioners Courts annually that communicates Texas AgriLife Extension’s public value.</li>
<li>All Counties involve elected officials in Extension “showcase” events.</li>
</ul>
<strong>Our marketing and interpretation committee will meet on Thursday October 6th, starting at 9:30 am over LYNC. Individuals were contacted to join in the conference. All agents can provide suggestions for programs and interpretation ideas for the the upcoming Judges and Commissioners conference. Please give me a call if you have suggestions to share.</strong> <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">District 11 Professional Development Contract Due by your Desiganted Program Planning Conference</span></span><br />
<br />
As you know we no longer have plans and or tasks in TeXas
for your professional development activates. Please refer to the email I sent you this past Wednesday for the attached contract that you
will sign and forward back to me for the approval of the RPD and myself. Please
review the contract and select the activities that you will be attending in
2012. Please mail me a signed paper copy or use the <span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">(fillable form)
version to make it easier to complete, you can sign electronically and then
forward to me by email . I will accept them on paper or electronically
signed ,</span> I will forward to the RPDs
for their approval and signature. I need these contracts in by your designated
Program planning conference. <o:p></o:p>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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As you can imagine it is not easy to include all of the
activities, so please add any other conferences , professional meetings ,
symposiums, workshops, etc.. that you plan on attending during the year.
I have also selected some of these activities and added them to our D11
Extension outlook calendar for your reference. <o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">I also would like to remind you that this will
be our contract and your investment in your Professional Development for
2012. This contract will also be used by the RPD’s and myself as a tool
to gage your commitment in developing yourself as a professional educator in
your county. Please give me a call if you have any questions. DM </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">Personnel News</span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Give Matt Bochat ,new agent in Bee County a call next week to welcome him to the District , he will start Monday October 3rd. News comming soon on Washington County 4-H and Refugio County ANR. Victoria County 4-H came open internally this week, help me recruit internally in bringing another great agent to D11.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17850961002096023118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8403107631383230347.post-65299382790060087062011-09-16T11:57:00.000-07:002011-09-16T12:02:42.462-07:00Program Planning Confrences Scheduled<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I believe we had
a good productive workshop this week in Edna, some things have changed
slightly but the process is still simple in that your plans are your contract
with administration on how you are going to program in 2012. You are in
charge of your work calendar and it all starts with developing your plans.
Remember you will be evaluated on your performance directly from your plans in
2012. I wanted to thank all of the specialists that participated in the workshop. I would also like to thank Logan Respess, Director of the Texas Sea Grant program, and Jacquelin White , Interim Program Leader for FCS for the Cooperative Extension program for spending both days with us and supporting the agents they work with. A big thanks to Mike Hiller and his support staff for hosting us at their great facility. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I also wanted you to
know that because of this situation of TExAS being offline we will allow
flexibility on the deadline once the system is up and running. It’s Important
that you all continue in working with RPDs and local planning groups in
developing program plans for 2012. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Program Planning
has been around a lot longer than the TExAS System and the system no way
influences how we work to develop the plans. It is simply mechanism that we utilize
to publish and report to our plans with administration , stakeholders and
supporters. The key is that the plans are of high quality regardless if
they are up on the system or hand written on a tablet. The importance is that
they are developed before you ever sit down to type into the system. Computer
Systems don’t dictate planning and they don’t identify issues that need to be
addressed in our counties, that’s done thru committees and the issue
identification forums that were done earlier in the year. I know that Scott and
the OD crew will work hard to get the system up and running soon, and they have
worked hard to make it better for our agency.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><b>Scheduled Program
Planning Conferences for 2012</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">Ø<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Wharton County – October 7<sup>th</sup>, 2011 –
8:30 am - Lync Webcam Conference</div>
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<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">Ø<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Group 1 – October 11<sup>th</sup> , 2011 - 8:30
a.m. - Lync Webcam Conference – Aransas, San Patricio, Nueces, Nueces EFNEP</div>
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<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">Ø<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Group 2 – October 12<sup>th</sup>, 2011 -
8:30 a.m. - Lync Webcam Conference - Washington, Colorado, Fayette</div>
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<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">Ø<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Group 3 – October 13<sup>th</sup>, 2011 - 8:30
a.m. - Lync Webcam Conference – Jackson, Matagorda, Victoria </div>
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<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">Ø<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Group 4 – October 14<sup>th</sup>, 2011 - 8:30
a.m. - Lync Webcam Conference – Dewitt, Lavaca, Karnes, Goliad,</div>
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<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">Ø<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>TBA – Bee, Calhoun, and Austin / Face to Face
PPC to be determined depending on need <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Heather Ware, New Coastal Comminity Development Agent</span></strong></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Logan Respess, received a few
questions from Agents and others who attended the D11 PPW in Edna regarding our
newest hire Heather Wade. Heather is new to us and new to Extension. She is the
first ever Coastal Community Development Agent in Texas. She fills a two-year
soft money partnership position between the Mission-Aransas National Estuarine
Research Reserve (UT) and Texas Sea Grant (TAMU). Logan will be actively
working to extend her position through grants and contracts beyond the two-year
time frame.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Heather’s position will be
similar in her geographic setup to our IPM agents. Her area of operation will
be the counties bordering the NERR (Calhoun, Refugio, Aransas, San Patricio,
and Nueces), but could potentially help others outside this area. Heather is an
Urban Planner by training and will be working almost exclusively in the realm
of CRED.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Attached you will find her
hiring announcement. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to
contact Logan (</span><a href="mailto:L-respess@tamu.edu"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">L-respess@tamu.edu</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">) or
Heather (</span><a href="mailto:hbwade@tamu.edu"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">hbwade@tamu.edu</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><strong>Matt Bochat, New Bee County Agricultural and</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><strong>Natural Resourse Agent </strong></span></div>
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Matt Bochat will assume his new appointment in Bee County on October 3rd. Matt is a former Ag agent serving in our agency for 11 years. Matt served in Gonzales, Jasper, Smith and Brazoria Counties. We are fortuante to have Matt come back to Extension and bring his experence and energy to the Bee County Extension program. I know that Kathy Ball our office manager in Bee County is eager to have an agent to work with. Please give Matt a call to welcome him to his new role. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Monica Flores, New Refugio County office manger and </strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>4-H program assistant</strong></span> </div>
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Today is Monica's first day on the job and after several months of having no one at the office it is great to have Monica ansewering the phones and helping clientele in Refugio County. </div>
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Monica is a native of Refugio, and a former 4-H member, she is also a graduate of Texas A&M University. Help me in welcoming Monica to our District team. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17850961002096023118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8403107631383230347.post-85127320693861437862011-09-01T14:51:00.001-07:002011-09-02T12:37:33.907-07:00Training Opportunities for TExAS Version 3<div class="storycontent">
<div class="entry">
As plans for the roll out of TExAS Version 3 continue to move forward, Organizational Development has scheduled a series of online training sessions to provide agents with an overview of the changes. These sessions will predominately be conducted via Lync. However, there is likely to a be a few sessions that are Centra based to provide opportunities for those who do not have access to Lync. Each of the sessions listed below will be limited to 20 participants. The Organizational Development Unit will use an RSVP system to enroll individuals in a session. Below is a schedule of the training opportunities.<br />
<ul>
<li class="first"> September 21<sup>st</sup> – 9:30 am & 2:30 pm</li>
<li>September 22<sup>nd</sup> – 9:30 am & 2:30 pm</li>
<li>September 27<sup>th</sup> – 9:30 am & 2:30 pm</li>
<li>September 28<sup>th</sup> – 9:30 am & 2:30 pm</li>
<li>September 29<sup>th</sup> – 9:30 am & 2:30 pm</li>
<li>October 4<sup>th</sup> – 9:30 am & 2:30 pm</li>
<li>October 5<sup>th</sup> – 9:30 am & 2:30 pm</li>
<li class="last">October 6<sup>th</sup> – 9:30 am & 2:30 pm</li>
</ul>
Organizational Development has indicated that they will add sessions by providing concurrent sessions or new sessions if needed. You are encouraged to participate and to RSVP for the session of their choice.<br />
<h2 class="storytitle">
<span style="color: #351c75;">Major Livestock Show Calf Scramble Information</span></h2>
<strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo – January 13 – February 4, 2012</span></strong>
<br />
<div class="entry">
<ul>
<li class="first">Purchase certificate value of $500</li>
<li>Certificates used to purchase a breeding beef or dairy heifer</li>
<li class="last">Entry process</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="storycontent">
</div>
<div class="storycontent">
1. To obtain Calf Scramble entry applications by mail, you as CEA
must contact the Stock Show Office prior to October 1 to make your
request. Entry applications will be mailed on October 1 to all CEAs and
ASTs who have requested the applications.</div>
<div class="storycontent">
</div>
<div class="storycontent">
2. Entry applications will also be available on the Stock Show website <em>fwssr.com</em> on October 1.</div>
<div class="storycontent">
</div>
<div class="storycontent">
3. Entries are sent directly to the show.</div>
<div class="storycontent">
</div>
<div class="storycontent">
4. Entries will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
After all the positions have been filled, the remaining applications
will be kept on file and used on an as needed basis.</div>
<div class="storycontent">
</div>
<div class="storycontent">
5. Each County 4-H Program is limited to a maximum of six entries.</div>
<div class="storycontent">
</div>
<div class="storycontent">
<strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo – February 9-26, 2012</span></strong></div>
<div class="storycontent">
</div>
<div class="storycontent">
<ul>
<li class="first">Purchase certificate value of $800</li>
<li>Certificates used to purchase an animal in these Junior Breeding Departments – Beef, Dairy, Swine, Sheep, or Goat</li>
<li> Must show the animal in the 2013 San Antonio Stock Show</li>
<li class="last"> Entry process</li>
</ul>
</div>
1. Entry Application and Release and Indemnification Agreement were e-mailed on August 25, 2011<br />
2. Completed Entry Applications and Release and Indemnification
Agreements must be returned to the District Extension Administration as a
county group by <strong>September 19, 2011</strong><br />
<strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo – February 28 – March 18, 2012</span></strong><br />
<ul>
<li class="first">Purchase certificate value of $1,500</li>
<li> Certificates used to purchase a breeding beef or dairy heifer or market steer</li>
<li>Must show the animal in the 2013 Houston Livestock Show</li>
<li class="last">Entry process</li>
</ul>
1. Online entry applications will be available on the Livestock Show website <em>hlsr.com</em> from October 1 through December 1, 2011.<br />
2. Entries will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
After all the positions have been filled, the remaining applications
will be kept on file and used on an as needed basis.<br />
<strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo – March 9-24, 2012</span></strong><br />
<ul>
<li class="first">New format for 2012 – Ultimate Scramble Championship</li>
<li>Purchase certificate value of at least $1000 while others could be awarded $1,500, $2,000, $2,500, or $5,000</li>
<li>Certificates used to purchase market steer, market lamb, market goat, market barrow, breeding heifer, or breeding goat.</li>
<li>Must show the animal in the 2013 Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo.</li>
<li>Entries begin January 15, 2012 directly to the show.</li>
<li class="last">Entry fee is $25.</li>
</ul>
<div class="last">
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><em>Monthly Reports Due September 8th, 2011 !!!!</em></span></div>
<ul>
<li><strong>September 8, 2011- </strong>All reports for June, July,
and August must be entered into the old version of TExAS. An initial
lock of the records will occur at this time. Daily compliance reports
will be provided to DEA.<strong></strong></li>
<li><strong>September 9 – 14, 2011- </strong>The old version
of TExAS will be taken offline to convert to TExAS Version 3. No
activity in TExAS will be allowed during this time.</li>
<li class="last"><strong>September 15, 2011- </strong>TExAS Version 3 will be online. Entry of plans and reports will resume.</li>
</ul>
<div class="last">
</div>
<span style="color: red;">The 4th quarter of the 2011 fiscal year ends in August (June, July,
and August). Agents should ensure that they have met their professional obligations of completion of Commissioners Court reports, Travel, Quarterly Legislative one page email, PCR monthly reports and of course reports on the TEXAS system <strong> before September 8th</strong>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">District 11 OUTLOOK Calenders</span> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Two 2012 District Calendars on our outlook system are being
developed , a 4-H Calendar, and an a Administrative/ Professional Development
Calendar. These calendars will be ready to be shared with you on
your email by our upcoming conference . </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you have any dates that you would like on the calendars
for 2012 please send them <b><u>to Sharon Thompson (4-H0 or Sylvia Falcon (ADM-PD ) calendar.</u></b> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Some of the dates will certainly overlap and that’s ok. We
are also planning to post the 4-H calendar on the web , the other ADM/Prf.
Development calendar is only for staff internally. Trainings, district meetings,
retreats, annual meetings, selected multi county programs, specialist trainings
, Professional Development training series etc….. are items we will need. These calendars will be
shared read-only , updates will only be done by our support staff at the D11
office. Please send in dates by Thursday September 8<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>.
</span></div>
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: large;">District 11 Personnel News:</span><br />
I am currently in the process of identifying a finalist for each of these positions, Bee County ANR, Refugio ANR, Washington 4-H, Calhoun ANR.<br />
<br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Mandi Wallace</span></em></strong>, has resigned her position as Lavaca County FCS agent as of August 31st. I wish Mandi much success in her new career choice, and thank her for her service to Lavaca County and to our District. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Labor Day Holiday!</span><br />
If you read this post before the Holiday, have a good safe time, If you are reading this after Monday, hope you had a good restful time off , but if you have not done so, you only have three days to finish up your reports before the lock down! <em><span style="color: #660000;">Thanks for all you do to keep our programs strong in our Counties. DM</span></em><br />
<ul>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17850961002096023118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8403107631383230347.post-46518690830219913712011-08-22T13:48:00.000-07:002011-08-22T14:25:37.376-07:00Program Planning-Back to the BasicsThe <span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><u>Program Planning Workshop and Conferences</u></span> are some of the most important meetings conducted our District each year. At times these meetings can become heavy with process and light in productivity. The reason this can be the case is that focus is on check lists and getting the program planning process finalized rather than attention to quality of the programs and detail. <br />
<br />
We all constantly talk about thinking “outside the box.” That’s fine, and we should certainly think outside the box. But here’s another approach that we had better not ignore – get back inside the box and get the basics right as it relates to Extension programming.Some of the basics that leads to success in Extension programming that should not be ignored during Program Planning Conferences includes;<br />
<ul><li class="first">Volunteer Management.</li>
<li>Clientele relations. Agents should ensure that our county offices are inviting and welcoming places for clientele to visit.</li>
<li>Effective communication with clientele.</li>
<li>Effective internal communication</li>
<li>Effective utilization of the Program Development Process- Program Planning, Program Implementation, and Evaluation and Interpretation.</li>
<li>Effective reporting.</li>
<li>Effective utilization of Program Specialists.</li>
<li>Effective utilization of teaching methodologies (result demonstrations, educational workshops, short courses, newsletters, news articles, etc.).</li>
<li>Mastery of subject matter.</li>
<li>Responsiveness to clientele needs. Remember that just because we can duplicate a plan from a previous year, does not mean it should be done. Agents should be challenged to provide fresh new programs , not just duplicate a plan from a previous year.</li>
<li>Effectively working with funding partners.</li>
<li class="last">Appropriate professional development and career development. Quality time should be spent in discussing status related to career ladder promotion.</li>
</ul>In order to focus on the basics in Extension Programming , agents should allowing program development to become a series of manageable steps. Here are some actions to take and points that County Extension Agents should consider when developing programs so that measurable outcomes becomes an integral part of the process.<br />
<br />
<strong>1. Develop Goals for Programs Based On Need</strong><br />
Who are the audiences to be served? What are the outcomes to be sought? Are these outcomes attainable and measurable? Do potential programs fit local or clientele interests, and Texas AgriLife Extension’s state strategic plans?<br />
<strong>2. Determine Priorities</strong><br />
Consider time and resources available. If choices must be made, which programs are likely to have greater impact on more people? Which ones are likeliest to grow? Which might be turned over to volunteers or advisory groups to maintain? Which might provide the greatest positive media attention and other forms of recognition for agents and the Texas AgriLife Extension Service? Which are likely to generate the most scholarly contributions for Agents? Which have the support of clientele and advisory groups?<br />
Agents should involve stakeholders–people who have an interest in program results–in planning and decision-making whenever possible. <br />
<strong>3. Determine Specific, Measurable Objectives for the Programs Selected</strong><br />
Agents should confirm that their objectives are measurable and attainable. If agents are unable to list their objectives in writing, they are probably not ready to plan or deliver the program. Agents should determine how they will know if the objectives are met (evaluation method).<br />
<strong>4. Determine Extensions role in Public Value for every program.</strong> <br />
<strong>5. These four actions above are made available directly from our grass root program area committees. The stronger our committees the better information we will have to prepare our yearly plans.</strong> <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">District 11 TEAFCS Retreat</span><br />
I had the great opportunity to attend this years D11 TEAFCS retreat in Corpus Christi at Padre Island last week. I want to congratulate the members of TEAFCS for a great professional development opportunity for their members. I was particularly impressed with the professional presentations provided by <span style="color: blue;"><em>Mandi Wallace, Sally Garret, and Jennifer Boening</em></span> as agents in the Spot Light. Agents also provided one pagers for the the idea sharing session. Discussion after each presentation was productive for all at the retreat. Thanks for allowing me to attend and for the great fellowship at dinner the night before. DM <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><u>This week in D11</u></span><br />
<ul><li>August 25th, Deadline for State Fair Entries!</li>
<li>August 25th, CBC planning meeting , Victoria County Extension office 9 am. All committee members and species superintendents expected to attend in person or by Lync. </li>
<li>August 25th, CEA FCS Youth Strike Team Briefing 11:00 am , Lync </li>
</ul><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong>Personnel News:</strong></span><br />
Help me in congratulating <em><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Shamaine St. Julian</span></strong></em> as she was awarded her Masters Degree last week. Shamaine's commitment to her education and professionalism is clearly evident as she continues to provide high quality direction for the Austin County 4-H program. <span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;">Great Job Superstar !</span></span> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17850961002096023118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8403107631383230347.post-62056931287229984932011-08-11T13:23:00.000-07:002011-08-16T14:50:06.212-07:00TExAS Version 3 Upgrades<span style="color: #660000;">TExAS Version 3 is scheduled to be launched in mid-September.</span> This version of TExAS has numerous upgrades and is designed to run more efficiently. Given the nature of these changes, a strict timeline must be set in place for the transition. This timeline is as follows;<br />
<ul><li class="first"><strong>Early August (prior to the 12<sup>th</sup>)- </strong>All planning functions in the current version of TExAS will be turned off. No entry of 2012 plans will occur in the old version of TExAS.</li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong>September 8, 2011- </strong>All reports for June, July, and August must be entered into the old version of TExAS. An initial lock of the records will occur at this time. I will be getting daily compliance reports on the status of the District 11 agents reports.<strong></strong></span></li>
<li><strong>September 9 – 14, 2011- </strong>The old version of TExAS will be taken offline to convert to TExAS Version 3. No activity in TExAS will be allowed during this time.</li>
<li class="last"><strong>September 15, 2011- </strong>TExAS Version 3 will be online. Entry of plans and reports will resume.</li>
</ul>All Extension agents need to be mindful of this timeline and make plans accordingly as it relates to program planning. <br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">District 11 Fall Faculty Conference and Program Development Workshop, will be held on <b><u>September 13<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>, and 14<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>, at the Jackson County Service Center, in Edna, Texas.</u></b> This conference will clearly set the stage for program planning and Monty, Elaine and I will communicate expectations for program development and plan submission for the upcoming year. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Program Planning Conferences will be held beginning on <b><u>Tuesday October 11<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> trough Friday the 14<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup></u></b>. Counties will be assigned a time slot during this week, we will use the Lync system as to help reduce travel costs. Please clear these days till further notice as we work through our DEA/RPD/4-H specialist scheduling in our region ,you will soon be assigned a time slot within the D11 program planning week for your Program Planning Conference. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">New District 11 County Websites</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">District 11 has been selected as the next district in our state to transfer to the new website content management system and the AgriLife Communications Web Services Team is ready to begin moving your county Extension website into the new system. All that you need to do is initiate the process and the Web Team will handle the migration of your existing content.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To initiate the process, please complete and submit the form on<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><a href="http://counties.agrilife.org/d11"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://counties.agrilife.org/d11</span></a><o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #660000;">I expect for your to complete this form and submit as soon as you can but no later than next <u>Wednesday August 23<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">rd</span></sup>, please let Sylvia Falcon</u> at our District office know when you submitted the form.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Once your information is submitted, you will be contacted on a first-come first-served basis. You will be notified as soon as your accounts are created and you will be directed to training resources, scheduled live training sessions as well as the login credentials for your new site.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Web team is looking forward to working with each of our counties and we hope to minimize the amount the effort required for this transition.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Please inform your coworkers of the process and transition.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you have specific questions, please contact...<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><a href="mailto:websupport@agrilife.org"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">websupport@agrilife.org</span></a><o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">or,<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><a href="http://agrilife.org/learnwordpress/ask/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://agrilife.org/learnwordpress/ask/</span></a><o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thanks in advance for your attention to and support of this transition, DM<o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">District 11 Personnel News</span> <br />
<br />
I regret to inform you that Jennifer Janssen, CEA-FCS Jackson County and Sarah Brandes 4-H Agent Victoria County, have both resigned effective last Friday August 12th. I wish them both the best of luck in their new career choices and thank them for their years of service in Jackson and Victoria County and to the Texas Agrilife Extension Service. <br />
<br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17850961002096023118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8403107631383230347.post-47527414620189056162011-07-26T11:50:00.000-07:002011-07-26T12:30:39.022-07:00Improving the Extension Program Planning Process?Texas AgriLife Extension Service places a great deal of time and resources in conducting program planning conferences. It is no doubt that program planning conferences is a critical component of Texas Agrilife Extension Service’s performance management system. However, the program planning conference itself is only one component in a <b>series of related activities</b> which includes the distribution of Program Planning documents that provides expectations for programming, Program Development Trainings and Workshops, Specialist Scheduling, the Program Planning Conference, Plan review and feedback, Plan approval, coaching and feedback by District Extension Administrator and Regional Program Directors during the implementation of programs, and the Performance Appraisal. The following graph illustrates Texas AgriLife Extension Service’s performance management system;<br />
<div class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_2922" style="width: 650px;"><a href="http://agrilife.org/countyprograms/files/2011/07/Program-planning-cycle.jpg"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-2922" src="http://agrilife.org/countyprograms/files/2011/07/Program-planning-cycle.jpg" title="Program planning cycle" /></a> In today’s economic climate program planning must be focused on ensuring that Extension is efficiently allocating resources that results in the following;</div><ul><li class="first">Program excellence not just focused on approving a plan on the TeXas System.</li>
<li>Committed to developing better programs that result in measurable outcomes.</li>
<li class="last">More efficient utilization of District Extension Administrator, Regional Program Directors and Agents time.</li>
</ul>One of the methods that will be utilized to increase the efficiency of the program planning conference will be utilizing Lync to conduct the program planning conference. We will utilize this distance educational communication tool to add value to pre- program planning conference activities (distribution of program planning materials, program development trainings or workshops, specialist scheduling, etc.) by employing video conferencing capabilities that is collaborative, engaging, and cost effective.<br />
<br />
Microsoft Lync can provide the following benefits for Extension;<br />
<ul><li class="first"><b>Control costs – </b>District Extension Administrator, Regional Program Directors and agents can effectively communicate among geographically dispersed County and District offices without long distance charges. Integrated audio, video, and Web conferencing will reduce travel costs, as well as the cost of third-party teleconferencing fees.</li>
<li><b>Improve productivity- </b>Applications available with Lync assists District Extension Administrator, Regional Program Directors and Agents communicate within a more productive format. Instead of e-mailing documents back and forth for approval, Middle Managers and Agents can rely on real-time collaboration through desktop applications such as sharing plans and reports on the TeXas System, power point presentations, Word documents and utilization of a virtual whiteboard.</li>
<li><b>Gain operational efficiencies</b> -By integrating Lync in program planing and conferencing delays can be reduced or eliminated. For geographically dispersed county and district offices, group chat can enable efficient, topic-specific, multi-party discussions saving time and money.</li>
<li class="last"><b>Enables Extension to be more responsive to clientele- </b>By reducing the number of face to face meetings that require travel time for Agents allowing them to be in the county to respond to clientele needs and conduct educational programming.</li>
</ul>Whenever any change is implemented some are reluctant and have questions related to the change. The following are some questions that have been posed related to the use of distance education in program planning conferences;<br />
<br />
<b>Question- </b>Will Lync be utilized for conferences with all agents?<br />
<b>Answer</b>- All agents may be involved with a Lync conference, but agents who need additional assistance will be required to attended a face to face program planning session. The District Extension Administrator and Regional Program Directors will identify those agents who need to participate in a scheduled face to face session which include agents who are not prepared for their Lync session, new agents, agents who have plans that do not contain required elements, agents who have performance issues, etc.<br />
<br />
<b>Question</b>- What happens if the system does not work the day the Lync session is scheduled?<br />
<b>Answer</b>-This system has proven to be very reliable, however it is always advisable to have backup plans in the event a technical problem arises. However, this is really no different than if an agent or middle manager has car trouble on their way to a meeting– we need to have a backup plan to accommodate unexpected situations!<br />
<br />
<b>Question</b>- Will this diminish the effectiveness of the program planning conference?<br />
<b>Answer</b>- <span style="text-decoration: underline;">No!</span> The program planning conference is only one component of the performance management system and if we conduct quality program development trainings or workshops and conduct an effective program planning conference via Lync our program planning should be even more effective. It should be emphasized that Lync provides face to face interaction, capacity to share documents, provides opportunity to utilize power point presentations and many of the same elements that have been utilized in the past during conferences except middle managers and agents are saving time due to reduce travel and reduced down time for agents who have traditionally had to wait for their individual conference. <b></b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Question</b>-Will Lync be utilized for other conferences and meetings?<br />
<b>Answer</b>- Yes!! Middle managers and Agents will utilize Lync for planning meetings, mid-year reviews, cluster meetings, involving specialists in program area committee meetings, collaboration of development of educational materials, etc.<br />
<br />
<b>It is expected that District 11 agents be recognized as <span style="text-decoration: underline;">visionary leaders</span> who embrace change and aggressively implement new management processes. </b>As Texas Agrilife Extension incorporates Lync in our management processes the most important element that will influence the success of this process in our District is our mindset and attitude. <br />
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<div style="color: #351c75;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBsmPbG9nv6ac5MMTAlpserhWLx6ygsf1cRv1xnR3PiWwiWuIyCHHlX-kzMP4ZpyMLR9SMlVq80ye5BRsilqR66QjH2N6YH10rU0X0jxAyGoPLw4Eml-3py4jMLp_MAQCo7FQ-UiYbWzWg/s1600/calendar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBsmPbG9nv6ac5MMTAlpserhWLx6ygsf1cRv1xnR3PiWwiWuIyCHHlX-kzMP4ZpyMLR9SMlVq80ye5BRsilqR66QjH2N6YH10rU0X0jxAyGoPLw4Eml-3py4jMLp_MAQCo7FQ-UiYbWzWg/s320/calendar.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Your Outlook Calendar </span></b></div></div>As we continue to explore the many new effective tools associated with our migration to the Microsoft Exchange Outlook system I wanted to encourage you to use your Outlook calendar. Your calendar is inter-graded into your email account and to the Lync system. When you are invited to a meeting via email or to a online meeting through Lync you will be asked to accept or decline the invitation. If you accept the invitation the system will automatically add the meeting to your Outlook calendar. You will be getting many emails in the future from me and others with invitations to meetings etc. It would be beneficial if you would use your calendar to keep track of important dates and deadlines. <u><i><span style="background-color: yellow;">We are also in the process of initiating a </span><span style="background-color: yellow;">District 11 Extension Calendar and a District 11 4-H calendar</span><span style="background-color: yellow;"><b> </b>that will be shared with each one of you and your support staff. You will be able to view the calendar from your Outlook email account and will have the availability to post county events to the District calender</span></i></u>s. There will be much more to come on the use of your calender in the future. I have used an electronic calendar for the past two years and have become accustomed to the calender very quickly. There is also much value in sharing your calendar with your support staff, once your calendar is shared with support staff they can add appointments and reminders to your professional calender and you can also do the same. I understand that not all of you have mobile devices that will incorporate your calendar to your device, however you still have the option to print your updated calendar. <br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><div style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">D-11 4-H NEWS</span></b></span></div><div style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">HIPPOLOGY CONTEST – JUST FOR FUN!!!</span></b></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal">District 11 will be hosting an invitational Hippology Contest at the Fayette Co Extension Office (LaGrange, TX) on Saturday, August 13, 2011. This contest is being offered as a fun, friendly opportunity for youth with an interest in horses to test their knowledge and skills of the horse industry. Many of the competitions will be participating in Hippology for the first time so don’t hesitate to come and learn more about this FUN contest! Thanks to JD Folbre, Kara Matheney, Tina Kallus (volunteer from Fayette Co) and the Fayette Co staff for working together to make this possible. For more information, rules, and registration deadlines, visit the link on the District 11 4-H website at <a href="http://d114-h.tamu.edu/">http://d114-h.tamu.edu</a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">District 4-H Photos Available</span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">More photo galleries have been added to the District 11 4-H website:</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">2011 Junior Leader Lab (thanks to photographer Scott Willey)</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">2011 Leadership Lab</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">2011 Texas 4-H Roundup – District 11 Photos (these are candid shots, professional photos can be found on the Texas 4-H website)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">All these photos and more from other events can be found by clicking on ‘D11 4-H Photo Galleries’ on the right hand menu of the District 11 4-H homepage (</span><a href="http://d114-h.tamu.edu/"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">http://d114-h.tamu.edu/</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt;">)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> Please feel free to download any of the photos for your own use, newsletters, publications, etc. Please share the link with 4-H families in your county too!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">WANTED: Photos from the District Horse Show! If you or any of your 4-H families have photos from the District Horse Show, please let me know…I would like a copy!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Texas 4-H Volunteer Conference</span></u><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We are excited about the upcoming first ever Texas 4-H Volunteer Conference to be held in San Antonio on July 29-31, 2011. There are over 250 volunteer registered statewide. District 11 will be represented by 15 volunteers, 1 agent, and 1 workshop presenter. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Volunteers registered from District 11 include: </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">ARANSAS – Elizabeth Beebe & Ada Owens, AUSTIN – Monica Eskew, BEE – Candace Kovar, COLORADO – Katie Kunz & Barbara Weishuhn, DEWITT – Monica Carson, FAYETTE – Carlette Drabek, Jennifer Miksch, & Jennifer Zapalac, KARNES – Corina Venable, NUECES – Linda Johnson, VICTORIA – Henry Wood & Karen Wood, WHARTON – Stacie Williamson.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #38761d; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Shamaine St Julien and Jodi McManus will also be attending.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Please make sure to thank these volunteers for taking the time to learn more about supporting the 4-H program and see if they can share information at an upcoming Club Manager or 4-H Volunteer training in your county.</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17850961002096023118noreply@blogger.com