Extension Update: October 2009 Archives

It began with an email alert June 24 from the National Plant Diagnostic Network. Late blight had been found on tomato plants at several big box stores in upstate New York on plants from a nation-wide producer of vegetable transplants.

The next day additional reports came in from Long Island. Extension Specialist Cheryl Smith knew this disease, caused by the same fungus responsible for the Irish Potato Famine, could spread quickly with the cool wet weather New Hampshire was experiencing. No more than a couple hours later, Extension Specialist Becky Sideman shared an email she received from colleagues in Maine that it also been found in box stores throughout Maine.

Smith and Sideman knew they needed to get an alert out to growers quickly to protect tomato and potato crops against this potentially devastating disease. They quickly compiled information from several sources and sent an email alert to all UNH Cooperative Extension Agricultural Resources staff urging them to distribute the alert to all tomato and potato growers.

The next day, Smith and her lab assistant checked tomato plants at four local stores. Infected tomatoes were found at all four stores. Given the increased interest in gardening and growing “our own food,” and the potential sales over the upcoming weekend, the blight could easily spread from backyard gardens to commercial fields and eventually statewide.

Working with her administrative assistant, Suzanne Hebert, and Extension’s Communication staff, Peg Boyles and Holly Young, an alert was posted on the front page of Extension’s Web site and our Education Center’s web page.

The alert included photographs from several sources and a slide show Extension’s web master Faye Cragin created that helped distinguish late blight form other common tomato diseases. The Plant Diagnostic Lab offered to identify and confirm late blight samples without charge to facilitate tracking the spread of the disease. A press release also went out to all media outlets to help disseminate the information to the public.

The first confirmed case of late blight came just eight days after the initial alert July 1 from a home gardener and the first commercial producer was hit a week later. In one week, several more farms were hit, and by Aug. 17, late blight had spread to every county in the state, and the epidemic ranged from Ohio to South Carolina.

By the end of September, Extension’s Education Center had provided late blight information to over 200 callers. Although many commercial farms and backyard gardeners lost their crops, and the economic impact may easily reach into the millions of dollars, the losses could have been greater were it not for the quick response by a multi-team collaborative effort by Extension to disseminate needed information quickly, accurately, and in as many formats as possible. This was great example of how Extension can impact the lives of New Hampshire citizens!

Research led by Dr. Malcolm Smith, UNH Cooperative Extension Family Education and Policy specialist, has found that use of physical restraint in facilities serving court adjudicated juveniles may cause juveniles to act more violent, rather than less violent. In addition, this finding adds to a growing body of evidence that use of physical restraint on juveniles may have serious adverse effects on juveniles.

The study found that adults who physically restrain juveniles may experience adverse psychological effects themselves. Adults in the study reported feeling bothered and disturbed by being involved in the incidents to the point of needing to talk to someone or find other means of dealing with their emotions.

In the study, “The Restraint Spiral: Emergent Themes in the Perceptions of the Physical Restraint of Juveniles” published in the journal Child Welfare this month, Smith and colleague Dr. Karen Myers-Bowman from Kansas State, interviewed both juveniles and adults to understand their perceptions of restraint events. Physical restraint is a formal technique used in schools, mental health facilities and juvenile centers to restrict the movement of children considered out of control.

They found adults in the study saw physical restraint either as a safety measure or a punishment, while children saw the restraint as punishment. Physical restraint as a means of discipline isn’t legal in most states. In addition, adults who performed physical restraint of juveniles reported after the events they were noticeably upset and had to talk about it with someone.

For more information, contact Smith at 603-862-7008 or malcolm.smith@unh.edu

A high quality camping program has long been a tradition in the New Hampshire 4-H Youth Development program. Over the past 70 years, we have offered many youth and camp counselors an exceptional experience at the Bear Hill 4-H Camp facility at Bear Brook State Park. Despite the positive aspects of operating a traditional, residential camp at Bear Hill, the camp has consistently operated at a deficit for many years.

Faced with current and future budget constraints at both the Cooperative Extension and University levels, I regret to convey the decision has been made to close the Bear Hill 4-H Camp. We simply do not have the needed revenue to cover the costs of operating a residential youth camp. This decision to close camp has been very carefully considered and has not come easily.

In the past, Extension was able to cover small shortfalls, in keeping with our commitment to offer this unique camping experience to youth. In the fall of 2006, Bear Hill 4-H Camp experienced its most significant shortfall. Due to the size of the 2006 deficit, and with future, unfavorable budget revenue projections, we notified the 4-H Youth Development staff and key stakeholders we would no longer offer the level of financial assistance we had in the past. It was clear that if this camp was to continue to operate, we would need to seek alternative external resources.

The commitment was made to keep the camp open in 2007, with the understanding that if camp realized any future year deficits, we would close without further discussion. That spring, we developed a public relations campaign related to the financial needs of camp, which appeared in publications such as the NH Business Review, the Concord Monitor and the Weekly Market Bulletin.

Even though this generated much interest, with our stakeholders and volunteers giving so much of their time and resources, we simply have not been able to generate the kind of financial support necessary to operate camp at a reasonable price for campers while maintaining a 70-year-old facility with 55 buildings on the grounds. (The facility was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps and Extension has always leased the property through the NH Dept. of Resources and Economic Development.)

In December of 2008, following the end of our 2008 camping season, our camp director unexpectedly resigned. With this resignation coming so late in the year, and with few prospects for alternative staffing, the decision was made to suspend the Bear Hill 4-H Camp for the 2009 camping season. At the same time, a determination would be made regarding the future operation of this camp.

We have now completed an extensive study of what it would take to continue to operate 4-H Camp at Bear Hill with the following criteria taken into consideration:

1. Provide a safe, high quality positive youth development experience for campers.
2. Meet American Camping Association standards as well as state agency standards.
3. Hire the required number of qualified staff to meet staff/camper guidelines. We have determined that to meet the stated criteria we would need to charge a camper fee that would be unaffordable for most of the campers who traditionally attended the camp.

In our study, we also reviewed the scholarship awards we made to many campers in the past, but with this difficult economy, camperships are more difficult to secure. Even with a significant increase in the camping fee, we would just “break even.” We would still be faced with the costs of facility upgrades and normal repairs and maintenance, not included in calculating the increased camper fee. We simply do not have sufficient resources needed to maintain the facility nor do we have reserves in place should we have a major system failure such as septic or water.

All UNH and Extension staff, volunteers, former camp staff, board members, donors and staff at the Department of Resources and Economic Development/Division of Parks are owed a deep debt of gratitude for your part in making Bear Hill 4-H Camp a place that made lifetime memories for thousands of people over more than 70 years.

If you have any questions, I would encourage you to contact 4-H Program Leader Wendy Brock at 862-2187 or your county Extension 4-H Youth Development educator.

The 4-H Foundation of New Hampshire presented the Friend of 4-H award to Cliff McGinnis of Pembroke and Echo Farm Puddings of Hinsdale at the 51st annual meeting of the 4-H Foundation of New Hampshire Oct. 20 at Alan's Restaurant in Boscawen.

A 4-H project "gone wild" is an explanation often given to describe Echo Farm Puddings. Beth and Courtney Hodge were seven and eight-year 4-H members respectively in the Hill and Valley 4-H Club and the Stars and Stripes 4-H clubs in Cheshire County. Beth is currently the leader of the Cows R Us 4-H club and Echo Farm leases animals to 4-H’ers to use in their dairy project. Courtney was formerly a Foundation board member. Their business is an example of what we hope happens as a result of the 4-H Youth Development program. We hope 4-H’ers will find their nitch and become productive citizens.

A goal of Echo Farm Puddings is its support of 4-H and Future Farmers of America programs throughout the state. They support the 4-H Foundation each year, providing pudding for the annual meeting. The “Pudding Break” is a signature piece of the Tom Fairchild Friend of 4-H golf tournament.

The second recipient, Cliff McGinnis, served as the state veterinarian for 19 years, from 1986-2005. Cliff is one of the founders of the Granite State Draft Horse and Pony Association in 1988 and has encouraged its annual gifts to the Foundation. Cliff served on the Merrimack County 4-H Foundation for six years, becoming the president in 1993.

He worked very closely with 4-H administration, leaders, and youth to ensure they were always well informed and aware of state regulations. He helped other local veterinarians understand the importance of the new health practices related to 4-H animals. His humor, "cut to the chase" attitude, and sense of being fair and practical, has endeared him to those that know him.

At the meeting Tuesday night, he presented the Foundation with a check for $2,000 from the Granite State Draft Horse and Pony Association to support activities in the 4-H horse program. He is shown receiving his award, above, from Vice Chair Jean Richardson.

The Foundation also elected new board members: Chair David Bishop-Bedford, Vice Chair Jean Richardson-North Sandwich, Secretary Laurie Conrad-Candia, members Jeff Brodeur-Goffstown, Rolf Carlson-Amherst, Phil Cournoyer-Jaffrey, John Porter-Boscawen, Carrie Putnam-Piermont, Shirley Sullivan-New Boston, Ed Deshain-Webster, Tiffany Briggs-Sullivan and youth members Mark Cook of Pepperell, MA, and Cacia King-Epping. Wendy Brock serves as the executive director. The board members are shown in the photo, above right.

I presented a state-wide budget update to members of the UNH Cooperative Extension State Advisory Council when it met Oct. 15 in Concord.

With a projected $1 million deficit, a drop in state and county funding, along with an increase in costs, UNH Cooperative Extension will face fiscal challenges this coming year. I have been working closely with university officials to address these challenges as UNH reviews its budgeting process over the next several months. I also thanked the council members for their continued support with local stakeholders and delegation members and will provide updates of any changes to our fiscal situation as they occur.

The council also listened to reports and updates from each county representative on budget status and program initiatives.

Associate Director Jim Grady reported on changes to the administrative structure and explained the new role of County Administrative Liaisons (CALs). In addition, Jim reported that Extension successfully completed a federal Civil Rights review last year and the plan we submitted had been approved. This plan addresses some of the civil rights issues identified by the review. Charlene Baxter, program leader, Family and Consumer Resources, reviewed a set of checklists designed to help staff and county advisory council members with their office space and web presence.

Darrel Covell, program leader, Forestry and Wildlife, Sea Grant and Water Resources, highlighted information on the launch of the Energy Answers Info Line at our Extension Education Center. Staffed by more than 30 trained volunteers, the info line is now set to answer consumer questions about energy conservation products and practices. The info line number is 877-398-4769.

In addition, Alan Eaton, Extension Professor/Specialist, Entomology, updated the council on the public health concerns around arthropod-borne diseases in New Hampshire. He shared some of the research he and others have conducted about the incidence and threat of Lyme Disease, EEE, and West Nile Virus and highlighted work he’s done helping to educate county and town decision-makers about preventative spraying practices.

On October 15, UNH Cooperative Extension rolled out its Energy Answers program, expanding the capacity of our toll-free Info Line in Manchester by staffing the existing lines with volunteers trained to answer energy-related questions or refer callers to experts and other outside resources who can.

Highlighting the roll out on the 15th was a presentation made to the UNH Cooperative Extension State Advisory Council about the new project. All you have to do is call 1-877-398-4769 (1-877-EXT-GROW) for answers to your energy-related questions, or email us. The line is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

UNH Cooperative Extension Education Center administrator Alice Mullen says, "We'll target our information for individuals and households. Our research has told us New Hampshire residents are out there looking for information about tightening up their homes, buying more energy-efficient appliances, investigating renewable energy sources, and taking advantage of government financial incentives for making energy improvements."

"We'll stress the primary importance of energy conservation and energy efficiency," says Mary Tebo Davis, the Extension educator who coordinates the Energy Answers program. "For example, we'll offer tips about things they can do that cost little or nothing to reduce their electric and home-heating bills. We can help them avoid expensive marketplace scams. We can help them understand the lingo surrounding energy products and services.

"For people ready to move on to more extensive energy-conserving or renewable-energy projects, we can help them decide when and why it makes sense to hire energy professionals and how to find experienced, competent service providers," Tebo Davis says. "We can help them understand the ways reducing their energy use helps the environment."

New Hampshire's AARP is leading an effort with UNH Cooperative Extension, VolunteerNH, the United Way of New Hampshire, NH Public Television, NH Center for Non-Profits, United Way of the Greater Seacoast, Concord TV, Youth Venture New England and AleuroMedia, in joining the national iParticipate movement promoting community service and addressing local needs. iParticipateNH's goal is to promote and celebrate volunteerism throughout the state.

According to Paul Bonaparte-Krogh, Extension Volunteer Specialist, iParticipateNH is a revolutionary statewide project that will highlight volunteer opportunities, specific needs in the community, and resources to get started so residents can make a difference in their communities.

iParticipateNH kicks off the week of Oct. 19 when more than 60 network TV shows will spotlight the power and personal benefits of service with the Entertainment Industry Foundation's national iParticipate movement. The goal is to harness the collective power of the industry to raise awareness and funds for critical health, education and social issues to make a positive impact in our community and throughout the nation.

Gov. John Lynch will recognize the week of Oct. 19 as iParticipateNH Week, challenging all Granite Staters to volunteer and give back in their communities. During the week, partner organizations are celebrating with community service events, challenges and volunteer recognition ceremonies.

New Hampshire has a growing number of charitable non-profit organizations and so many of those depend on volunteers to provide services to the community. "During these tough economic times, we need volunteers more than ever and feel everyone has something to give," stated AARP State President Ally McNair.

Our state has a long history of community service. Cooperative Extension's 5,000 plus volunteers work with staff to deliver a wide range of programs. Our volunteers serve as 4-H Youth Development leaders, Master Gardeners, Tree Stewards, Marine Docents, Lake Lay Monitors, Covert Cooperators and Energy Answers operators. In addition, VolunteerNH has over 1,000 volunteer opportunities posted and Create the Good can help someone find flexible and meaningful opportunities that suit their interests and schedule.

More than 175 attended Parenting Revisited: Life on a Trampoline: A Kinship Conference for Grandparents and Relatives Raising Children and Those Who Support Them October 8 in West Lebanon.

The conference was co-sponsored by UNH Cooperative Extension’s RAPP (Relatives As Parents Program) initiative and VKAP (Vermont Kin as Parents.) The conference featured Dr. Joseph Crumbley’s address “What’s Unique and Different about Kinship Care?” Dr. Crumbley has co-authored a book with Robert Little entitled "Relatives Raising Children: An Overview of Kinship Care." He received the Child Welfare League’s Excellence in Kinship Care Practice award and is the current board president of the North American Council on Adoptable Children (NACAC).

Maggie Bishop, director, NH Division of Children, Youth and Families, shown in the photo on the right, and Steve Dale, commissioner of the Vermont Dept. for Children and Families, attended the conference, which provided resources and workshops that included safety, well-being and permanency issues in kinship families, parental incarceration and an overview of the fostering connections legislation.

About six million children across the nation live in households headed by grandparents or other relatives. In New Hampshire, approximately 12,458 children live with kinship caregivers, 3,869 of them in households without either parent present.

NH RAPP is a program of UNH Cooperative Extension with funding from The Brookdale Foundation and NH AARP.

The 2009 Healthy Eating and Active Living (HEAL) conference took place Oct. 6 at the Grappone Conference Center in Concord.

Promising Practices for Healthy Eating and Active Living in Our State and Communities featured the roll-out of the HEALnh.org Web site with links that include You and Your Family, You and Your Community and a Quick Links section of resources on healthy eating and active living. The HEAL Web site was developed by UNH Cooperative Extension through a grant from HNHfoundation.

Dr. Joseph W. Thompson, director of Arkansas Center for Health Improvement and Arkansas Surgeon General, delivered the keynote: The Role of Public Policy in Obesity Prevention. Dr. Susan Lynch provided comments, along with her support for this statewide initiative’s efforts to address and reduce incidence of overweight and obesity in New Hampshire.

UNH's Campus Journal has a feature article this week on Karen Bennett, the Extension Educator who received the 2009 Presidential Award of Excellence.

While she received her award during the annual UNH recognition program May 8, the Campus Journal has been showcasing award winners over the past few months. Please take a moment to enjoy the article.

Join your colleagues at the Healthy UNH launch event, featuring a Health and Wellness Expo of campus organizations and departments involved in health and wellness programming on the Durham campus, including a Cooperative Extension booth. UNH President Mark Huddleston will be on hand to offer some remarks, followed by a community one mile walk on the UNH Durham campus.

The event takes place Wednesday, Oct. 14, from noon-1 pm in the Whittemore Center arena lobby. All students, employees (Faculty, Staff, Adjunct Fac/Staff) and community members are welcome to attend.

Extension's booth will be staffed by Extension Educator Sharon Cowen, Family and Consumer Resources. She will share information about our money management and parenting programs, along with some nutrition topics.

To assist in planning for the event, online registration is available.

All participants in the walk, returning to the Whittemore arena, will receive reusable Healthy UNH water bottles as an incentive and appreciation of your participation in this first of many Healthy UNH events to come!

In case of inclement weather, the walking portion of this event will be held inside the concourse of the Whittemore Center arena.

eXtension is an internet-based collaborative that UNH Cooperative Extension participates in, along with other Land Grant universities. Extension partners from other states exchange the very best objective, research-based knowledge to consumers across the country.

Several Extension staff from UNH Cooperative Extension participate as providers of knowledge and resources in financial management, geospatial technologies, community and economic development and many other areas. Information and resources are available to New Hampshire residents through eXtension on a wide variety of topics such as disaster preparedness, horse care, organic agriculture, money management, and running a small business.

eXtension has just released the Use of eXtension survey. Results will document how Extension personnel are using eXtension as a resource for Extension programs. We are interested in hearing from all Extension faculty, staff, administrators and others on how they have put eXtension into use. We plan on using this information to help all Extension personnel discover the power of eXtension to enhance their programs and I encourage you to take a few moments to complete it.

Cheers for Peers provides a way for UNH Cooperative Extension staff to simply and immediately acknowledge the positive contributions co-workers make to each other, the work place, our clients, the organization and the University.

Recognition from co-workers for a job well done is especially valuable and can reinforce good work and build collegiality. Cheers for Peers is for all UNH Cooperative Extension staff, including support staff employed by a New Hampshire county.

Our winners, chosen at random from all names accumulated in the July, August and September quarter, are Mark Wiley and Seth Wilner. Congratulations also go to Donna Lee and Lynn Roy for being randomly selected from the list of those who sent a Cheers for Peers card to a colleague. Contact Holly Young for your reward.

Volunteers are vital to all UNH Cooperative Extension programs. Volunteers allow us to expand our capacity and bring skills to programming at the county/state level as well as help in developing the social capital of our communities.

To help support our volunteers, UNH Cooperative Extension is introducing a new professional development opportunity on volunteerism for all Extension staff: Everyone Ready®.

Everyone Ready® is an online volunteer management training program developed by Energize Inc. National 4-H Council, through a grant from Monsanto, is making this program available to all Extension staff nationwide regardless of program area or title. There is no cost to states or individuals (a state’s cost ordinarily runs from $12-18,000 each year.)

To get started, go to our Everyone Ready® Web page. You'll get an overview and also can register to participate. You can then log in each month to access a variety of resources available. These include Online Seminars (every other month) and Self-Instruction Guides (alternate months). New topics are introduced on the third Monday of each month.

An in-service program also is set for Dec. 8 to cover this and other volunteer development and management resources available to Extension staff. For more information on the in-service, contact Paul Bonaparte-Krogh.