Extension Update: July 2006 Archives

The Healthy New Hampshire Foundation awarded a $12,210 grant to Charlene Baxter to conduct a "Needs Assessment for Physical Activity Equipment, School Breakfast Program Start-Up and Nutrition Education."

The work will focus on towns and cities that fall into the NH Child Potential Index - Wealth Clusters as designated by NH Kids Count 2003 data. Additionally, elementary schools with free and reduced-price lunch participation of 50 percent or higher will be included as high priority sites

The needs assessment will focus primarily on these elementary schools grades pre-kindergarten through third grade, with additional needs assessments conducted at selected Head Start programs, YMCA/YWCA's, Boy's and Girl's Clubs, School Age Child Care Programs, Family Resource Centers, and Town Recreation Programs.

I am pleased to announce the following individuals have agreed to serve on the Strategic Planning Steering Committee: Val Long (facilitator,) Juli Brussell, Nancy Evans, Charlie French, Thom Linehan, Amy Ouellette, Julia Peterson, Matt Tarr and Lisa Townson.

We also will have various individuals involved in the process that we will be referring to as “advisors.” Such individuals may include Eleanor Abrams (Associate Professor, Education Department and UNH Outreach,) Anna Boudreau (State Advisory Council Chair,) Dave Foote, Jim Grady, Holly Young, et. al.

Valerie Long will facilitate the strategic planning process and will work closely with the committee and advisors. Val has 26 years of UNH Cooperative Extension experience and has served previously as a strategic planning committee member.

As I described in my June 29th email, our existing five-year strategic plan covers the period 2001-2006. It is now time for us to begin a new process to reflect the next five years. I would anticipate a completion date of January 1, 2007 for releasing our new five-year plan.

The committee is charged with designing and implementing an appropriate process to produce the strategic plan. This is a high priority for us and the committee will work intensively to complete the plan by January 1, 2007. The committee will also collect input and recommendations from the State Advisory Council during its October 26th meeting. All staff will also have opportunities for involvement in the strategic planning process and to review drafts as they are developed.

Over 450 4-H members, families and friends joined the 4-H Foundation of New Hampshire July 17 for a fun night at the Fisher Cats ballpark in Manchester. The evening began with Sammy Patch from Hillsborough County throwing out the first pitch, followed by Morgan and Caica King, shown at right, from Rockingham County 4-H singing the National Anthem and leading the 4-H pledge.

The 4-H Foundation of NH board members worked the food stand to serve the hot and hungry fans.
4-H Camp staff and members of the National Guard ran a display to promote openings that are still available at the regular summer camp program as well as Operation Military Kids Camp.

Watch for the game schedule next year, as the 4-H Foundation will again host a 4-H night.

Former Sullivan County Forest Resources Educator, Joseph Szymujko, died July 12 at the Sullivan County Home.
Well-known and respected in the New Hampshire forestry community, he retired in 1987 from UNH Cooperative Extension where he had worked for over 30 years. He was also a graduate of the University of New Hampshire.

Open seminars of the three candidates applying for the position of Program Leader for Forestry and Wildlife take place Monday, July 24, Wednesday, August 9, and Thursday, August 10, on the UNH campus.

Stephen Bratkovich, on campus Monday, July 24, will give his presentation from 2:30-3:30 pm in Spaulding Hall, Room 230.

Darrel Covell’s presentation takes place Wednesday, August 9, from 2:30-3:30 pm, in Rudman Hall, Room G89.

Jonathan Kays will be on campus Thursday, August 10. His presentation, also from 2:30-3:30 pm, takes place in Rudman Hall, Room G89.

These seminars are open to all staff.

It's time to submit proposals for professional development opportunities for Extension staff for the coming year (October, 2006 – September, 2007). Consider and plan professional development opportunities for staff that will provide them with the skills and knowledge necessary to complete the work UNH Cooperative Extension has planned for the next five years.

Please review the plans that have been submitted by viewing the program logic model worksheets. It is expected that a significant percentage of our professional development offerings in the coming year will relate directly to the plan of work. In addition, professional development offerings that support basic skills and knowledge required by all Extension professionals may be proposed. (Grant writing, program development & evaluation, technological skills, marketing and writing, etc.)

Please submit information for professional development opportunities by July 21 to Deb Russell by email, using the format below. Deb will forward the information to the appropriate program leader for approval and check for any date conflicts. Please do not use “TBA” for the date, instead giving an actual date and time so staff are able to schedule their time accurately.

The inservice calendar will be available for staff to register electronically approximately by August 4.

Professional Development Proposal Information
Title:

Date(s):

Time(s):

Location:

Cost:

Need PicTel (yes or no): PicTel Location(s):

Audience:

Level: (beginning/advanced)

Description:

Contact Person:

Contact Person email and phone:

Program Leader:

Thanks for your contributions to the profession development of our staff. Please contact Lisa Townson or Deb Russell if you have any questions.