Merry Christmas District 11

I would like to wish our District 11 Extension Team a Merry Christmas and a happy new year. As I read your making a difference reports and your outcome summaries, I am amazed at the great programs that you are providing your clientele each year. We certainly have the best district in the state but only because we continue to have the best agents in the state. As we prepare for a new year just around the corner, I encourage you to take some time to enjoy your family and all of what the holiday season is meant to be. If you are going to try to start shopping like me this week, be careful on the roads and as you travel to see family and friends. This has certainly been an eventful year for Extension, as I look back upon this year I am thankful to have the staff of great agents, support staff and volunteers in District 11.  I am sure you can also reflect on your year not only professionally but personally. Get some well deserved rest and come back ready to continue to Make a Difference in your counties in 2011.
The District office will be closed during the holiday break from Thursday, December 23 through January 1st; we will resume regular business hours on January 3rd, 2011. I know that many of your county offices will be open for some time during these days. If for some reason your office must be closed during the non-county holiday times, make sure that your clientele can reach you or a designated person if they need to. I will be available on my cell phone (361)543-7595.

District 11 County Judges and Commissioners Conference

We had a excellent conference on December 14th, in Edna. 4 county judges and 23 county commissioners attended the conference.  8 District 11 counties were represented at the conference. Four attendees were newly elected officials. Judon Fambrough with the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University provided a program on wind energy opportunities in the Coastal Bend,  Dr. Rebecca Dundensing, provided a program on Economic Development opportunities and evaluation, and Mr. Dennis Dewitt, provided a great program on County health and community affair issues.  State Representative John Zerwas, District 28 contributed with a legislative update on the many issues affecting lawmakers in Austin this legislative session to start on January 11 2011.

The program finished with information from Jim Allison, general counsel for the judges and commissioners association of Texas.  Also in attendance was Ms. Ashely Mathews with the VG Young Institute for County Government, and Dr. Dromgoole, Associate Director for County Programs.  Dr. Dromgoole provided an update discussing our Budget reduction and possible future budget cuts.

Thanks to the JJ and Mike for being great hosts, and for the other agents that I ask to assit with the conference.

Outlook Conversion Process

District 11 counties that have been converted to Outlook email system are Karnes , San Patricio and Refugio Counties.

What does this mean? Basically means that any groups that you have created with Karnes, San Patricio and Refugio county staff will not get the e-mail if you send e-mail to the group as it exists. You need to go back and re-add the staff back to your personal groups.

In a nutshell, when the staff is moved to Outlook the e-mail address is deleted from the GroupWise address book, thus their names and e-mail address are removed from all personal groups. The new e-mail address is then added back to the GroupWise address book, but this procedure will not add the e-mail back to personal groups.

Big 4-H Weekend in District 11 !!!

District 11 Food Show-Food Challenge

Many compliments have been shared about the excellent District 11 4-H Food Show & Food Challenge contests that were held in Wharton this past Saturday.  Approximately 100 food show contestants and 17 food challenge teams competed for top honors.  Some have rated the event as "one of the best food shows ever."

Special thanks to Food Challenge Chair Dianne Gertson, Food Show Chair Sarah Womble and the rest of the event committee including Lynn Hough, Michelle Allen, Sally Garrett, Barbara Sulak, Talma Benavides, Kathy Farrow, Barbara Williams, Janis Pfeffer, and Julie Ketelsen. 

 In addition to the competition,  a very interactive educational activity was available for participants and parents.  The skill-a-thon challenged members to rotate through 9 classes and identify kitchen utensils, demonstrate measuring skills, assess nutritional values of food items, and many other tasks.  Additionally, a community service activity, the Great American Bake Sale, was conducted to raise money to feed hungry children. This community service activity was spearheaded by 2 4-H families but many other families donated baked goods to support the effort. 

I am extremely please with the focus and direction that our traditional district events are taking. As I reflect  back to our discussion at our 2010 4-H Scheduling conference last May in La Grange. Our agents are certainly getting back to the basics and the success of the District Food Show and Food Challenge are examples of you commitment to detail.

Thank you to all the agents and volunteers that served as judges, monitors,  or timekeepers.  Your professionalism and positive attitude helped make the event a big success.

Blue Ribbon Youth!!

Educational Presentations

The inaugural Coastal Bend Classic was held this past Saturday, December 4th, 2010. 209 exhibitors from most District 11 counties and others from Kleberg, Bexar, Jim Wells, Jim Hogg, Webb, and Walker Counties, also participated.  The educational event drew an estimated 600 participants, exhibitors, leaders and parents.  The attendance clearly showed that an event of this kind that promotes educational opportunities to learn from speakers and clinicians was warranted. Also the passion to compete in the showing was also well received with the great quality of livestock presented by even better youth exhibitors. 

I want to commend the committee chairs and all the agents for organizing excellent seminars, and a great show. I am extremely proud for the way each an every one of our agents focused on the needs of our participants. Your professionalism commitment is truly appreciated. Our supporters were very pleased with the event. I already have commitments from other prospective financial supporters for next year.  I have received numerous compliments on the event and on your interaction during the event itself.

CBC future Presenters!!

Our chairman, Kyle McManus stated after the event, The one consistent point made was that their children are much better off now, after having attended the CBC, than before the event.  The only thing that was requested of us was to make the CBC an annual event....Just goes to show the saying must be true, "If you build it they will come".  On behalf of Kyle,  please pass on to each of your youth & adult volunteers that provided a helping hand that we would not have been as successful if it had not been for their efforts.  The volunteers played an extremely important role in the CBC. I am also very proud that three of our speakers and or judges were products of the District 11 4-H program. (Lyle Williams, Sarah Brister, and Dustin Biela)

Great show!!

 As we get back to the basics of doing what we do best our clientele are sure to take notice of our efforts. Again thanks District 11. DM

"You have to train like a CHAMPION to be a CHAMPION"

Conducting Effective Performance Appraisal Conferences

Performance appraisal conferences involving District Extension Administrators and agents are too often less than successful interactions because of lack of preparedness and organization.  Agents should prepare with this outline in mind.

Performance Appraisal Conference – Total County Faculty
1. General Items
* Set the stage for a positive performance appraisal.

* Review the purpose of the Performance Appraisal Conference.

* agents share highlights and accomplishments from Outcome Programs (review Outcome Summaries).

* agents share highlights and accomplishments from Other Significant Programs .

* Review how these programs are addressing county issues.
2. Program Development, Interpretation, and Outreach.
* Review membership and meetings of Leadership Advisory Board.

* Review membership and meetings of Program Area Committees, task forces, coalitions, etc.

* Review involvement of other planning groups.

* Discuss LAB sponsored educational activities, annual meeting (in counties that still have some type of annual event), and informational events.

* Review interpretation events for County Commissioners Court and Legislators.

* Review LAB newsletters and “Extension Education-Making a Difference 2009″ document.
3. 4-H and Youth Development Program
* Review 4-H enrollment for past three years and discuss expansion efforts.

* Review involvement for 4-H volunteers and mentors.

* Review County 4-H management- 4-H club manager training, 4-H Council Meetings, 4-H VLAT Meetings, and 4-H volunteer training.

* Identify goals for 4-H and youth development program and enrollment.
4. Staff Management
* Discuss and review Office Conference agendas and minutes.

* Review support staff supervision and performance appraisal.

* Discuss County budgeting process and additional resource acquisition.

* Review support group annual financial review forms and discuss financial Best Management Practices.
Performance Appraisal Conference- Individual Conference
Comprehensive Review
Discuss and review Agent’s Performance Summary, review DEA's summary with the agent and establish clear goals for progress for each domain.
1. Educational Effectiveness and Quality- Outcome Programs
* The Relevance, Response, and Results of Outcome Program

* The target audience and outreach to new audiences.

* Committee involvement.

* Marketing efforts.

* Partners and collaborations.

* Quality and quantity of educational activities.

* Evaluation strategy and results.

* Interpretation efforts.
2. Educational Effectiveness and Quality- Output Programs
* How programs addresses key programmatic areas.

* The target audience and outreach to new audiences.

* Committee involvement.

* Marketing efforts.

* Partners and collaborations.

* Quality and quantity of educational activities.

* Evaluation strategy and results.

* Interpretation efforts.
3. Program and Organizational Support
* County Budget management.

* Grants, sponsorship, donations, in-kind support, etc.

* Training efforts related to financial Best Management Practices for support groups.

* Utilization of volunteers.

* Involvement of other agents, specialists, elected officials, etc.

* Management for support staff.
4. Cooperation and Coordination
* External partnerships and collaborations.

* Multi-county and interdisciplinary programming.

* interpersonal skills and teamwork.

* Cooperation with co-workers, other agents, and volunteers.

* Office conferences

* New audiences reached.

* New partnerships formed.

* Use of Extension organizations.
5. Personal Development of Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviors
* Participation in professional development activities.

* Graduate study.

* Professional organization involvement.

* Professionalism exhibited.

* Scholarly contributions (publications, fact sheets, websites, exhibits, etc).

* Dossier updates.

* Awards and recognition.

* Involvement of community organizations and activities. More information on your PAS confrences soon. DM

Congratulations, Karnes City High School, has been featured in a recent issue of the Healthy Schools Program Success Stories Newsletter! The story can be found online at http://www.healthiergeneration.org/schoolstories.

High School Students Benefit from Walking Program
KARNES CITY HIGH SCHOOL | KARNES CITY, TEXAS
Karnes City High School participated in a partnership formed with Texas AgriLife Extension- Karnes County through a physical activ-ity curriculum called Walk Across Texas. All high school students and staff members received a free pedometer and were asked to track the number of steps they took over eight weeks.
Meredith Carter with AgriLife Extension reports that everyone was excit-ed about the opportunity to increase physical activity levels and teach-ers noticed an increase in attention span in their students after the walks. Great Job Meredith!!!

Think Pink Event

On October 28^th 42 women converged to participate in the “Think Pink Event” at the Methodist Activity Center in Bellville, Texas.  The event was the result of the Friend to Friend program which was adapted by Texas AgriLife Extension Service to assist with increasing the number of women meeting the American Cancer Society screening standards.  The event was co-sponsored by Texas AgriLife Extension Service, the Department of State Health Services, Bellville General Hospital and The Rose.  In addition to sponsorships, the event received donations from a host of community supporters.  At the end of the “Think Pink Event”, 33 women received a clinical exam from the Nurse Practitioner and a referral to get a free mammogram.  On October 29^th and November 2^nd , 33 women received mammograms from The Rose.  The results clearly indicate the impact of the event.    The “Friend to Friend” program will not only make a difference butt will ultimately save lives. 
Great Job Michelle !!!!

Advanced Degrees
Larry Pierce and Adrian Arrendondo, will be walking the stage this December as these District 11 agents have accomplished the reguirements in order to recive their Masters Degree. Larry Pierce will graduate from TAMU and Adrian Arredondo will graduate from TAMUK. I wanted to recoganize these two agents, it is not an easy task in finsinhing up your masters degree and being very productive agents in their respected counties. Great Job!!!!!

Conducting Effective Performance Appraisals- Pre – Appraisal Process

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 …

• Finalize monthly reports on the TeXas System.
• Finalize all County Commissioner’s Court reports.
• Submit annual outcome summaries
• Review support materials provided to DEA in monthly reports.
• Review interpretation materials that communicate programmatic outcomes.
• Review County Media Efforts, such as program area newsletters, radio programs, news releases
• Complete our Making a Difference Documents- out come and/or out put summaries
• Review 4-H enrollment goals
• Review your inter disciplinary programs
• Review your Showcase Events(including participation of Elected officials)
• Review Multi-County Programs, Result Demonstrations and tours.
• Review Leadership Advisory Board and Youth Board Events.

Your Performance Appraisals have been set, however, due to an oversight on my part, I will have to change some earlier conferences in December. Those of you prior to the 15th  may get a call to reschedule.  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.

District 11 4-H Events and Activities

I had a great report from Jodi on 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 District 11 Food Show and The Coastal Bend Classic both on December 4th, Looks like we are getting good participation for both events.

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.

Major Show Entries due December 1st. 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. Cover your tracks!!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I would like to wish our District 11 Extension family a Happy Thanksgiving. Everybody looks forward to the thanksgiving feast. The turkey, the pies, and the celebration, football,shopping or even sitting in a deer blind.

However, thanksgiving is incomplete without a moment of reflection. Spare a moment, and say a prayer of gratitude for life's little blessings. 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.

If you learn to appreciate more of what you already have, you'll find yourself having more to appreciate. -Michael Angier

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. DM

Involving Elected Officials in Extension Programs

One of the most effective interpretation strategies that can be implemented at the county level is to involve the elected official in “show case” educational events. The involvement in these
events enables the elected official to witness first hand the effectiveness of the county educational programs, demonstrates Texas AgriLife Extension’s partnership with funding partners,
and provides the elected official with a positive platform to interact with constituents. The involvement of elected officials in"show case" educational events is also a component of the

Texas AgriLife Extension Service County Programs Interpretation
Initiative.The following are just a few ideas that can be utilized to get elected officials involved in county programs:

• Serving as Honorary Chair of diabetes educational task force or committees that sponsor the Extension Do-Well- Be-Well program.
• Provide a welcome at Extension events such as Farm and Ranch Show, Field Days, Health Fairs, Walk Across Texas Kick off event or Recognition Event, 4-H and Youth educational activity, Cow/Calf Clinic, County Dairy Day, etc.
• Serve as Honorary Chair of educational task force or committees that sponsor major educational events.
• Serve as master of ceremony for the media event that kicks off 4-H One Day community service event.
• Serve as Team Captain or Honorary Team Captain for a Walk Across Texas Team made up of elected officials or elected official’s employees.
•  Serve as master of ceremony for a 4-H achievement event.

It is important to remember, Extension has an unusually wide range of stakeholders-legislators,
county commissioners court members, supporters, clientele audiences, and agency partners who
are interested in knowing the quality and effectiveness of our programs (Braverman & Engle,
2009). County Extension Agents should have an interpretation plan that includes the involvement of elected officials in educational events and other appropriate interpretation methods.
Commissioner Court Interpretations
Commissioner Court or Elected Officials Luncheons are commonly used venues for Program
Interpretation. While this interpretation method has been utilized for many years and can be classified as a very “traditional “method, it continues to be effective in communicating programmatic outcomes. This method has continued to be effective because it incorporates a social element with carefully designed interpretation messages.

An example of a Commissioners Court Luncheon/Breakfast  format that can be utilized for program interpretation is listed below.

Texas AgriLife Extension Service –_____________ County

2010 Program Review

• Welcome and Introductions- County Coordinator
• Remarks from District Extension Administrator- Donnie Montemayor
• Joint Programming – Example: Water Quality & Conservation, Community Development, etc...
• Agriculture and Natural Resources – Ag Agent
• 4‐H & Youth Development – 4-H agent or coodinator
•  Curriculum Enrichment Programs – 4-H Agent or coordinator
• Family and Consumer Sciences – FCS Agent
• Diabetes Education -Example 
• County Extension Education Association – EEA Rep.
• Better Living for Texans – BLT Assistant or FCS Agent

This format can be extremely effective because it provides a venue to enhance relationships
with elected officials in a social setting, the interpretation message is targeted, outcomes
of programmatic efforts are clearly communicated and volunteers or program beneficiaries can also be utilized. I would like for you make me aware of your end of the year interpretation events, I know you put them in your monthly activity report however a reminder would be great. I would like to be included in your interpretation events if my schedule permits. DM

O’Connell’s dedication to community cited in
Distinguished Achievement Award

John O’Connell’s commitment to leadership and community development has earned him recognition from the Texas Extension Specialists Association. O’Connell, the Texas Sea Grant College Program’s marine agent for Matagorda County, received a County Extension Agent Award for Distinguished Achievement for work ranging from resurrecting a county leadership training program to leading the National Sea Grant
Educators’ strategic plan development efforts. Angela McCorkle, Extension Program Specialist with the Texas AgriLife Extension Service’s Family Development and Resource Management Unit, presented the award to O’Connell during Texas Sea Grant Extension training in early October. “I was honored to be recognized for my work,” said O’Connell, “especially considering these are non-typical programs for a coastal and marine resource agent.” Matagorda County’s leadership training workshop had been discontinued for two years— the victim of high production costs — when O’Connell revived the program in 2009. He recognized that “leadership training for local elected, business and volunteer leaders is crucial to strong communities,” according to his nomination packet, which was submitted by the Ag Economics Chapter of Texas Extension Specialists Association.O’Connell formed an alliance between Texas AgriLife Extension and the Bay City Chamber of Commerce to make the workshop possible. He led work to revise promotional materials and develop the training agenda, which utilized a curriculum already developed by Texas AgriLife Extension. O’Connell also taught many of the courses and recruited teachers for other courses. Through O’Connell’s efforts, the cost to participants was cut in half. O’Connell calls the award “significant because it recognizes that Texas Sea Grant Extension’s efforts go beyond fisheries and purely coastal issues. The work at the heart of this award benefits an entire community.” O’Connell’s award also recognized his commitment to improving customer service offered by area businesses. He formed an advisory committee that reviewed customer service practices and then made training recommendations to area business owners and their employees. In addition to his leadership role with the National Sea Grant Educators Network, O’Connell is Chairman Elect of the Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System Education and Outreach Council.

FCS Informaton Professional Development from Elaine's Desk
Family Food & Fitness webinars
“Healthy Holiday” Chat.....Thursday, November 18 from 2:00 - 3:00

For more information, visit the Families, Food & Fitness CoP
Contact Ashley Fondren at anp44@fsnhp.msstate.edu
“Food Friends” webinar....Wednesday, February 23 from 10:00 - 11:00
For more information, visit the Families, Food & Fitness CoP
Contact Ashley Fondren at anp44@fsnhp.msstate.edu
America On the Move” webinar......Thursday, January 20 from 10:00 - 11:00
For more information, visit the Families, Food & Fitness CoP or contact Ashley Fondren at anp44@fsnhp.msstate.edu

District 11 Election Results
Now that our elections are over I know we will have many changes in our district. We will certainly need to welcome our new Judges and County commissioners when they take office after the start of the new year.
If you have not already , please update me with an simple email informing me of the status of your county commissioners court.  I need name, address, phone number, party affiliation, and recent occupation. It is especially important to identify newly elected county officials. I am aware that the newly elected officials do not have their office set up until the start of the new year, and we can get more information later. At this time I want to make sure that I am aware of all new changes in the District. Agents please assist your county coordinator in compiling the information we need. Thank you to those of you that have already provided your information. Give me a call if you have any questions. Thanks, DM

“Making a Difference 2010” Document

As the age of accountability continues to expand, it is imperative that we tell our story in an accurate, valid, and reliable manner.  Therefore, it is critically important to develop a County  “Extension Education - Making a Difference” document which summarizes our successes with Outcome and Other Significant (Output) Programs.

Last Friday I sent the D11 agents an email with  templates for the “Extension Education - Making a Difference” document 2010 .  Please use the materials to compile the Making a Difference document for your county. Also here is a link to the documents. http://agrilife.org/communications/resources/extension/documents/

Each agents should develop their Outcome and Other Significant Summaries which will then be used to complete this document for your county. This document will serve as an Annual Report for Extension in your county and should be distributed to County Commissions Court members, legislators, and key stakeholders.

County Coordinators you are requested to provide leadership in assembling this document to reflect the successes of Extension Programs in your county. Submit your county’s “Extension Education - Making a Difference” 2010 to me, as an electronic file (WP, PDF, MSWord) attached to an e-mail message please cc Barbara Moretich. These documents are due by December 15, 2010.

If you have questions, please let me know. DM 

The formula for greater support from your 

County Commissioners Court

The formula for greater support from elected officials is: excellent Extension programming, program visibility, and effective interpretation.
Key components of the Interpretation Initiative include:

• Involvement of County Judge, County Commissioners, and Legislators in at least one “showcase” Extension activity or program. Conduct at least one formal interpretation event with the County Commissioners Court and Legislators each year.

• Prepare and distribute a “Extension Education - Making a Difference” document (annual report) to the County Commissioners Court, Legislators and other key decision makers and stakeholders.Some counties programs to interpret annul report at their annual Leadership Advisory Board meeting.

• Invite your County Judge and commissioners to our District 11 County Conference in Edna on December 14th, 2010.

District 11 County Judges and Commissioners Conference  December 14th, Edna Texas

I have sent an invitation to your county judge and commissioners for our upcoming Judges and Commissioners Conference on December 14th, in Edna, I expect for  our county coordinators to arrange for personal contacts with each county commissioner and or judge prior to the conference. The county coordinator may ask staff members to make appropriate contacts. If making a face to face contact please have a copy of the letter ,agenda and registration form available.  Kathy Farrow has contacted several of you to assist with exhibits and posters, I would appreciate your prompt assistance in helping her gather the necessary materials. I will soon be making assignments of agents to assist with the conference, depending on the our registration confirmations.

County Swine Validations:
As many of you work with your local market swine validation committees to validate show pigs for this years show season, be aware of our publications to make exhibitors proactive in the recent events concerning the H1N1 virus.

“Biosecurity Practices for Swine Validation” and "Biosecurity Practices for Swine Shows and Exhibitions". Texas AgriLife Extension has taken a proactive approach to educating swine exhibitors and those associated with the swine project about proper biosecurity practices. These recommendations have been reviewed by veterinarians, animal scientists, and county Extension agents. These resources are meant to be shared with your county validation committee, livestock show committee members, 4-H leaders and exhibitors. These publications are available at the Extension bookstore.

Performance Reviews 2010

Barbara Moretich sent agents dates of when I am available to conduct your upcoming 2010 performance reviews starting next month, January and in February. For those that have not scheduled a date please do this ASAP. I will be sending an email shortly on what I will be needing for your PAS conferences. I will also be sending out information on Civil Rights Reviews, to those counties that we will having a review this year. I will be expecting for your to complete all materials prior to our conference. Please coordinate with organizational development and any others to have your evaluation materials back to you so that all end of the year out come or out put program summaries can be completed. More to come soon!!!

District 11 Ag Agents Professional Development Retreat

Ag agents that attended last weeks event in Cuero and Shiner, participated in an excellent learning opportunity provided by our leadership of TCAAA. Much like TCAAA state meetings, our district leadership coordinated great opportunities for professional development with programs from specialists, researchers, and great tours of industry in Dewitt and Lavaca Counties.  Agents that presented programs on county programing and result demonstrations did a great job. I plan on using this model to incorporate such a format with the the TEAFCS August retreat for our FCS agents.


I especially appreciate Brent Bachelor's presentation on the Purple Cow. Brent provided an approach to dealing with our challenging times of our state budget issues. Brent discussed transforming our programs as being remarkable and standing out from the herd. I would suggest if you can fit some reading time in get a  copy of the book, Purple Cow  by Seth Godin. Brent suggested that programs such as the Western Rice Belt Production Conference and the Food Challenge are Purple Cows. As we interpret to our stakeholders prior to or legislative session we must continue to make reference to our Purple Cows. I would challenge you to think of your purple cow in your county and use them to interpret to your stakeholders.


Thanks goes out to Phillip Shachelford, Brian Yanta, D11 TCAAA directors, and  Shannon Deforest and Anthony Netardus our conference  hosts. Look forward to 2011 in Matagorda/ Wharton Counties and 2012 in Karnes County.

Email Conversion Comming Soon

AgriLife as whole will soon transition to a new email system. Groupwise has served us well over the years but we have the opportunity to consolidate and modernize our ability to communicate and collaborate with others. This change will enhance your capability to communicate and the overall Extension mission.

We are changing to a Microsoft Exchange mail system. You will use Microsoft Outlook or the Outlook Web App on your web browser to access your email, address books and calendars.

Many of you already have Outlook on your computers, it comes with Microsoft Office.  If you do not we will provide a copy of Outlook for your primary daily use computer.  On other computers you will use the Outlook Web App to get your email.  The Outlook Web App (called “OWA”) allows you to use only a web browser and is full featured enough that many people use it exclusively.

 IT will take a carefully planned stepwise approach on making the email migration. The steps will be

1.      A general cleanup of the GroupWise mail system and collection of information

2.      Converting existing online GroupWise mail boxes to caching mode

3.      Scheduling a day to migrate everyone in the office

4.      On the scheduled day a AIT Specialist will help you migrate your mailbox

The total migration for AgriLife Extension will cover several months. During this time there will no doubt be some glitches in communications as some will be on GroupWise and some will be on Exchange.

AgriLife IT will attempt to convert by Districts as much as possible. This will minimize the time distribution lists and groups that commonly communicate are on different systems. IT is working on a schedule, but the goal is to focus conversions by District and tie the county office conversions as closely as possible to the District Center conversion.  There will be two to three weeks notice before a District conversion. This strategy will minimize the time counties and District staffs are on separate systems. 

A team of  our regional IT Specialists will help with Districts, so you may be working with a different Specialist at times. In addition the First Call help desk staff will be trained and able to help.

I attached instructions on my email sent out today on  how to clean up your Groupwise mail box. Agents please follow through with the steps and send the information needed back to IT, keep a copy for your files. DM 

2010 Ag Retreat-Cuero-Shiner

I am looking forward to next weeks Ag Retreat in the Cuero-Shiner area. I know that Anthony and Shannon will be great hosts. Thanks to Phillip and Brian for putting together a excellent program on Tuesday November  2nd, along with a tour in the Shiner area.  We will here programs from Monty Dozier, Megan Dominguez and AgriLife Research Entomologist Micheal Brewer we will also have time to here from other specialists from our district.  On our second day I look forward to presentations from some of our Ag agents, Brent Batchelor, Brian Yanta, Kyle McManus(Tue) JD Folbre, Phillip Shackelford, and Jeff Stapper, we will also have some late additions to the program.  These presentations will provide useful information on Result Demonstration reports, professional development tours, New 4-H project ideas, and alternative crops, etc.  I also hope that most of the agents and specialists can take some time to take part in the fellowship opportunities on Tuesday evening after our tours.  See you there, DM 

4-H Virtual Summit

This year's 4-H Summit will be a virtual summit using Centra Technology.   You can enroll in any of the 34 sessions you wish to attend.  The Course Catalog for the Virtual 4-H Summit can be downloaded using the link below:

http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/library/files/agent_summit.pdf 

To enroll in one of the sessions, please follow the directions below:

1.  https://first-call.tamu.edu/centra.php - and click on Centra Login

2.  Once there, login

3.  Click on "Enrollment"

4.  Then click on the folder "4-H and YD Webinars"

5.  When you get there, click on the "4-H Summit" folder (right under 4-H and YD Webinars)

6.  Enroll from there!  Please note there are two pages.  

Also, the one event entitled, "Coaching - Take a Stand Program Oriented" will include a presentation from Brooks Gibbs author of "Love > Hate."  Also, please note that is only a one hour program.  

Note: It is an expectation that D11 4-H agents and 4-H coordinators register and attend at least two sessions on each day.  Most Ag agents will be attending  next weeks Ag retreat in Cuero, on Tuesday and Wednesday, if you are a 4-H coordinator please plan on attending 4-H summit sessions on Monday and Friday. 

All 4-H agents and or 4-H coordinators  please let me know what sessions you will be attending, 

Tuesday, November 2nd is election day 
Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves and the only way they could do this is by not voting.
Franklin D. Roosevelt 

I wanted to remind everyone that Tuesday, November 2nd is election day. Please exercise your right to vote.