Extension Update: Personnel Archives

I'm pleased to announce that Hugh Christian has been appointed Assistant Director, Finance and Human Resources, effective December 3rd. As Assistant Director, Hugh will assume responsibility for oversight of Cooperative Extension's Financial and Human Resource activities.

Hugh comes to us from UNH's Office of Sponsored Research where he served for the past five years as Manager of Sponsored Programs Accounting and Financial Compliance. Hugh joins us with over 26 years of accounting, finance, staff and business management experience and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from LaSalle University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Hugh lives in Amherst, NH with his wife Debbie, his son Ryan, and their dogs, Max and Buddy.

Dr. Malcolm Smith is the new Extension Faculty and Specialist, Family Education and Policy. Dr Smith has over 25 years of success in child, family life, and parenting education including skills and experience conducting training for schools, governmental and private agencies.

He has provided training for a diverse range of populations, including Native American Tribes. His Ph.D. is in Human Services and Family Studies with an emphasis in Family Life Education and Consultation at Kansas State University.

Dr. Smith starts his new job on Aug. 20 and will hold a joint appointment with UNH's Department of Family Studies, where he will teach Family Programs and Policies.

I'd like to welcome Matt Tarr as the new wildlife specialist. Matt, who has been working in Rockingham County since 2002 as the Forest Resources Educator, will begin his new duties the first week of January.

During his tenure in Rockingham County, Matt shared part of the wildlife specialist's responsibilities for providing statewide educational programming and assistance to landowners, communities and natural resource professionals. He also shared the responsibilities of Rockingham County office administrator with Lynn Garland.

He is currently serving on Extension's Strategic Planning Committee as well as several other statewide committees with our partnering organizations. Matt received both his B.S. in wildlife management and M.S. in wildlife ecology from the University of New Hampshire. Please welcome Matt to his new position.

I'm pleased to announce a change in Lisa Townson's responsibilities effective immediately. Lisa will no longer serve as an Extension Specialist in 4-H Youth Development but rather is assuming an "interim" position for an indefinite period as an Extension Specialist focused primarily in the area of program development and evaluation.

This arrangement will be considered "interim" for an indefinite period of time but with the understanding Lisa will not be returning to 4-H so Wendy Brock can proceed accordingly with 4-H staffing decisions. The state 4-H Youth Development program will miss the expertise Lisa has provided to the animal science program, CYFAR, and exploration into other science, engineering and technology programs.

In the short term, 4-H will run a program that best meets the needs of youth with the staff we have available. Systems will soon be put in place to support upcoming events and activities in the animal science arena. Core staffing discussions are being held by the Leadership Team and a proposal for filling a 4-H Youth Development Specialist position will be brought forward by Wendy Brock.

Lisa's position will assume some functions currently held by the Associate Director, i.e., plan of work development, reporting, etc. but will not include any supervisory responsibilities. Lisa will have the next six weeks to work closely with Nancy Franz. In addition, I am currently contemplating how we will fulfill other duties of the Associate Director position as Nancy prepares to make her transition to Virginia in March.

Brian Doyle from our Program Leader team will be serving as Lisa's supervisor and she will be housed in Taylor Hall. Please join me in welcoming Lisa to her new responsibilities.

Congratulations to the following Extension Educators who were approved for promotion at a recent meeting of the USNH Board of Trustees:

Full Extension Educator
Julia Steed Mawson
Lawrence Barker
Nada Haddad
Charlotte Cross

Associate Extension Educator
Gail Kennedy
Darrel Covell

Charles "Chuck" Hersey is the new Sullivan County Extension Educator, Forest Resources. The Sullivan County Extension Advisory Council, Sullivan County Commissioners and Delegation, recognizing the value of retaining this position, agreed to continue fiscal support for it following Steve Wood’s retirement.

Chuck, a New Hampshire native, grew up in Epsom. He attended Brandeis University and received his Master's degree in Forest Management from the University of Massachusetts. For the past two years, he worked for the Massachusetts Forest Stewardship Program. His duties included technical and administrative support for an extensive landowner outreach initiative, state and federal cost-share programs, a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) database of stewardship properties, management and harvesting plans for adherence to state regulations, and workshops for landowners.

He also wrote management plans to include University of Massachusetts lands as “green certified.” He's carried out timber inventories and marked timber. At the Lincoln Land Institute, Chuck helped create a web course on forest ecology.

Chuck worked with the Epsom Conservation Commission to create a conservation fund and the Bear-Paw land trust to coordinate land protection at a landscape scale. He also created a natural resource inventory for the Town of Alton. Contact Chuck at the Sullivan County office in Newport at 863-9200 or at chuck.hersey@unh.edu He began his new position on January 24.

Heather Kimball is the new Plustime NH, Americorps Vista volunteer, working with Charlotte Cross in the 4-H Youth Development program. Heather, who began working with Charlotte on a volunteer basis in June, will work in this new position for the coming year.

Heather isn't a stranger to the 4-H program. She worked at 4-H Camp at Bear Brook in 1998 as a camp counselor for the Junior and Day Camps. She also has two years of study at Keene State College. She plans to finish her degree in Family Studies at UNH following her VISTA experience.

Ken La Valley joins UNH Cooperative Extension December 1 as the new Extension Specialist, Commercial Fisheries Technology Transfer. He is a UNH graduate in Zoology and has a Master's degree in Fish Pathology from the University of Rhode Island. He completed all course work and passed oral/written comprehensive exams for the degree of Doctorate in Environmental Science there. He graduates in December. Ken’s course work at URI included fisheries population dynamics, evaluation and theory of fishing gear design as well as statistics, endocrinology and fish pathology.

This fall Ken held an adjunct faculty position at the New Hampshire Community Technical College in Manchester, teaching an introductory course in microbiology. Prior to that position, he worked for eight years at Spinney Creek Shellfish as director of quality assurance. In that position he conducted outreach programs for commercial shellfish fishermen. In the Extension specialist position, his responsibilities include transferring results of cooperative research projects to fisheries managers, fishermen and other stakeholders.

Diane DuGray and Diana Fiorey of the Cheshire County Extension office received a surprise honor at the 2004 New Hampshire Circle of Home and Family's (NHCHF) Fall Conference.

Although they are not NHCHF members, an exception was made in granting them the NH Circle of Gold Award for their support. Their efforts are always accompanied with enthusiasm and congeniality. Congratulations Diane and Diana!

Rebecca Grube accepted the position of Extension Faculty and Sustainable Horticulture Production Specialist in the Department of Plant Biology. Becky currently works for USDA Agricultural Research Service at the Crop Improvement and Protection Station in Salinas, CA, where she developed a lettuce breeding and genetics research program.

Her background includes doctoral work in plant genetics at Cornell University. She comes from a farm in Vermont and completed her undergraduate work at Dartmouth College. Her research is strongly field-oriented, building strong ties with both growers and the vegetable industry. Although her primary work at ARS was research-oriented, she is committed to outreach and education. She found numerous opportunities to engage in educational service, including work with a volunteer mentoring program for minority women.

Throughout her childhood and undergraduate life, she was actively involved with all aspects of a diversified and profitable family farm that included maple sugaring, greenhouse and bedding plant production, and floral and vegetable crop production using a variety of marketing venues.

Becky will be a great addition to our staff. As well as strong skills and experience, she is coming home to New England and understands the agriculture and the farming communities well. Her start date for UNH Cooperative Extension is in late December, early January. Welcome, Becky!

Congratulations to Marilyn Sullivan, Deb Maes and Shirley LeBlanc for earning second place in the Educational Technology Awards category, Eastern Region, from the National Association of Extension Family and Consumer Sciences.

The awards were announced at the NAEFCS annual meeting in Nashville on October 6. The award recognized their adaptation of "Who Gets Grandma's Yellow Pie Plate" into a PowerPoint program. The program gives an overview of the process of transferring personal property, adapted from the University of Minnesota curriculum.

Kathy Becker Blease becomes the Extension Specialist for Family Education and Policy on October 11. Kathy joins Cooperative Extension after working at the UNH Family Research Laboratory/Crimes Against Children Research Center since June, 2002, as a Research Associate.

Kathy earned a Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology from the University of Oregon. Her dissertation was "Attention and Traumatic Stress in Children." Kathy will hold a split appointment with 80 percent of her responsibilities with Cooperative Extension and 20 percent in the Department of Family Studies, School of Health and Human Services. Her office will be in Pettee Hall. Welcome Kathy!

Deb Cheever and Marilyn Sullivan are the new County Office Administrators for Merrimack County. Tim Fleury stepped down after over five years as COA. Deb and Marilyn will share the role with Debbie handling the external issues such as budget,government relations and the Advisory Council while Marilyn handles the internal issues such as office operations, staff meetings and working with support staff. Many thanks to Tim for his efforts as COA!

Anne Deely, Geospatial Technology specialist with the Sea Grant Extension/Water Resources program area, recently celebrated the arrival of a new baby boy into her life. She has decided to make raising him a full time job and leaves Extension October 22. We wish her all the best in her new "career."

Mark Wiley replaces Sharon Meeker as the Marine Science Education Specialist within the Sea Grant Extension and Water Resources program area. Mark previously worked for Extension as a Sea Grant/Water Resources Recreational Fisheries specialist for two years in the late 1980s. He also has Extension experience with New York's Sea Grant Program as part of its Great Lakes staff and taught high school at Tilton Academy for a number of years. For the past 13 years he worked at Measured Progress, a national educational standards testing company located in Dover. Mark starts his new duties September 29.

Thom Linehan is the new Family & Consumer Resources Extension Educator in Merrimack County. Thom begins working in this new, 75 percent position October 4. He will finish his program commitments in Strafford County through December and likely add a 25 percent assignment for program coverage in Family & Consumer Resources in Belknap County beginning January 1.

Juli Brussell, the new Extension Program Leader, Agricultural Resources (75%) and Extension Specialist, Small Farms (25%) joins us October 4. Juli comes to us from Illinois with an impressive resume link.

We look forward to Juli assume this key position and providing leadership for our statewide agricultural resources programming as well as serving in the role of Extension Specialist for small farms. Please join me in welcoming Juli to New Hampshire.

Our strategic plan indicates we will “increase staff awards and recognition for outstanding performance and interdisciplinary accomplishments.” In January, 2002, the Extension Educator Council (EEC) appointed a sub-committee with Extension Educators, PAT and Operating/Support staff representation to address this goal. The sub-committee conducted a recognition needs assessment with staff and submitted a logic model to the Leadership Team that addressed these needs. The Leadership Team in turn appointed a Recognition Work Team to put the logic model into action.

Recognition Work Team members Cheryl Whiting, Seth Wilner, Mary Tebo, Charlotte Cross, Karen Blass, Paul Bonaparte-Krogh, Jim Grady and Nancy Franz developed a recognition plan with the goal of creating an organizational culture change where staff feel valued through multifaceted recognition. The plan summarizes our current awards and adds four new awards for implementation over the next two years.

New awards added this year include “Performance Beyond Expectations” and “Professional Courtesy.” All staff are eligible for these awards with nominations due December 31st. For more information on all our staff awards, refer to the Recognition Plan and the resources on the new recognition section of our intranet . On line nomination forms will be available in October. Thank you to the Recognition Work Team members for their hard work on this important aspect of our strategic plan.

Steve Turaj received the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of County Agricultural Agents in July at its 89th annual meeting in Orlando. This award determined by peers, goes to the top two percent of county educators from each state with more than 10 years of service.

At the same meeting, Steve received an award as a national finalist (one of two) in the PRIDE (Public Relations In Daily Efforts) program. Steve's "Kale Project" represents one rural county's efforts to encourage the production of a phytonutrient-rich vegetable crop suitable for its northern location. The project involved a personal column in the local papers, a twilight meeting open to both growers and the public, and mobilizing media contacts for extensive newspaper coverage. The kale project highlighted work by UNH Cooperative Extension researchers with local organic vegetable growers in Coos County. Congratulations, Steve!

Dates have been set for interviewing three candidates for the Ag Program Leader (75%)/Small Farms Specialist (25%) position. Juli Brussell from Illinois will be interviewed August 12 and 13. Julie is a farmer and consultant with extensive experience in ag policy development, sustainable food systems development, and grantsmanship. Dick Brzozowski, an Extension Educator from Maine , will be interviewed August 16 and 17, and Joe Tritschler, currently a small ruminant specialist with Virginia Cooperative Extension, will be interviewed August 18 and 19. Each candidate will give an on-campus seminar the first day at 2:30 p.m. followed by an open forum until 4:00 p.m. (August 12 and 16 in Spaulding G70 and August 18 in Pettee 106). On the second day, candidates will again present their seminar at 10:00 a.m. at the Merrimack County Cooperative Extension Office, followed by an open forum and lunch with Ag Staff and invited guests. The candidates will focus on the following topic for their seminar: "Referencing your Past Experience, Create a Vision for Ag Program Leadership in New Hampshire ." Please mark these dates on your calendar and plan to attend each candidate’s seminars.

Sarah Smith received the National Community-Based Technology Transfer Award at the annual meeting of the Northeast Area Forest Utilization and Marketing Council in Springfield, MA in June. This award is sponsored by the Chief of the USDA Forest Service. Sarah is the first in the nation Extension Utilization and Marketing educator to receive this award. The meeting included a gathering of state forestry individuals from 20 states, along with Extension and USDA Forest Service staff engaged in working with the forest industry, landowners with forest businesses, and communities with forest-based industries. Sarah's work in rural community assistance caught the attention of Forest Service leaders who nominated her for this award. Congratulations, Sarah!

The Best Plants for New Hampshire Gardens and Landscapes” has won another national award. The most recent recognition was for best extension publication (bulletin category, based on number of pages) from the American Society of Horticultural Science.

Congratulations again to Cathy Neal and Margaret Hagen for recognition of their work!

Congratulations to Cathy Neal and Margaret Hagen. Their book, coauthored with Leslie van Berkum, is a national finalist in the National Association of County Agricultural Agents publication category. The association presents a plaque and a $250 award to the winners. The publication is “The Best Plants for New Hampshire Gardens and Landscapes.”

Two promotion notebooks are available for review by staff pursuing promotion. Karen Bennett and Claudia Boozer-Blasco have agreed to make their notebooks available. Please contact them directly.

After the Promotion Committee has reviewed notebooks and made recommendations to John Pike, candidates for promotion will decide if others can review their notebook. Please let your Program Leader know your wishes on the availability of your notebook.

Under guidelines for assembling promotion information record, number 3, section IV-the wording has changed to Leadership Responsibilities and Achievements. The word “other” was removed from the heading.

Reminder: Completed notebooks are due to the Promotion Committee for their review by November 1, 2004 .

It's time to submit in-service and other training offerings for the October, 2004 - September, 2005 year. An initial email with this requested information was sent May 7 to all staff. Please refer to that email for detailed information.

Inservice offerings should reflect priorities in the UNH Cooperative Extension Plan of Work and performance core competencies.

Please submit information for in-services you plan to offer by July 1 to Deb Russell, using the format in the attached Word document. The inservice calendar will be posted for electronic registration around July 25.

Also this year, we will have a second call – in January, 2005 – for in-service offerings to better address core competency needs and provide the opportunity for interdisciplinary teams to offer in-services.

We welcome Sadie Puglisi as the new Extension Educator, Agricultural Resources, in Merrimack County. Sadie received her Bachelor’s degree in horticulture from Cornell University in 1999 and her Master’s degree in horticulture from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in 2002. Prior to coming to UNH Cooperative Extension, Sadie was the Extension Resource Educator at Cornell Cooperative Extension, where she had overall responsibility for an Integrated Pest Management plan. She also created research programs based on the needs of the county facilities and collaborated with University faculty and leaders in private industry. She begins her new duties on July 6th.

Fran Chickering will be leaving Cooperative Extension. Her last day will be June 30, 2004. I want to thank Fran for the excellent work she has done these many years as Extension Program Coordinator of the Teen Assessment Project.

Congratulations to the following Extension Educators approved for promotion this week by the USNH Board of Trustees:

Extension Educator
Jeff Schloss
Sarah Smith
Steve Turaj

Associate Extension Educator
Nancy Lambert

At the same USNH Board of Trustee meeting the following Extension retirees were approved for emeritus status:
Nancy Adams
Judith Bush
Bruce Clement
Barbara Hunter
Valerie Long
William Lord
Sharon Meeker
David Seavey
Stephen Wood

All Family, Youth and Community staff should mark Monday, Nov. 15, on their calendars for a statewide staff meeting. Plans are to hold this meeting from 9 - 3:30 in Plymouth . Staff include all program staff in Family & Consumer Resources, including all Nutrition Connections and Family Lifeskills Program staff, 4-H Youth Development, and Communities.

Family & Consumer Resources educators and specialists meet at 4-H Camp next Wednesday, June 16. An agenda has been sent. Family & Consumer Resources staff also meet Monday, September 27.

Two position announcements will be posted to our web site within the next few days. The position of Extension Faculty and Specialist, Family Education & Policy, will be advertised nationally. This is a split position, with a 20% appointment with the UNH Department of Family Studies, including a teaching assignment.

The second announcement will fill a 75% position in Family & Consumer Resources, advertised for Merrimack County . The focus of this position is on lifespan human development, parenting education, and working with coalitions addressing the needs of families and children. Please consider any contacts you can make to encourage qualified candidates to apply.

Staff seeking reimbursement for travel and other expenses through the BSC for April, May and June must submit them by June 30. This includes grant-sponsored programs. Timeliness enhances management of our budget deficit. Thanks for observing this important deadline.

Congratulations to Cathy Neal, John Porter and Nada Haddad for their winning entries at the recent National Association of County Agricultural Agents Communications Awards ceremony. Nada won the State Award for the best Direct Mail piece; John Porter, State Award for best Slide Set; and Cathy Neal won the Regional Award for best Publication. Cathy’s award will further compete for a national award. Congratulations

The NH Timberland Owners Association (NHTOA) honored Sarah Smith, Extension Forest Industry Specialist, last Saturday with the organization's most prestigious award, the Kendall Norcott Award. The award recognizes the outstanding contributions Sarah made to the group. Sarah served on the NHTOA Board of Directors, was a leading force in the development, implementation and success of the New Hampshire Professional Loggers Program and now chairs the board of the Granite State Woodland Institute, the new educational arm of the NHTOA. The award was presented at the association's annual meeting attended by landowners, key forest industry people, timber harvesters, faculty and Extension staff from UNH, legislators, Executive Councilor Ray Burton and Governor Craig Benson. Congratulations, Sarah!

Congratulations to the following PAT (Professional, Administrative & Technical) staff and Extension Educators (EE) honored for Years of Service during UNH's Annual PAT & EE Awards Ceremony:

25 Years
Alan Eaton, Extension Specialist/Professor, Entomology
Frank Mitchell, Extension Specialist/Professor, Land and Water Conservation
Stan Swier, Extension Specialist/Professor, Entomology
20 Years
Charlene Baxter, Program Leader, Family & Consumer Resources, Community
Development Dottie Burrows, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
Suzann Knight, Extension Specialist/Professor, Family Resource Management
15 Years
Ann Hamilton, Extension Educator, Family & Consumer Resources
Andrea Sawyer, Extension Program Associate, 4-H Youth Development
Steve Turaj, Extension Educator, Agricultural Resources
Barbara Wright, Distance Education & Training Specialist
Holly Young, Educational Marketing & Information Coordinator
10 Years
Robert Craycraft, Educational Program Coordinator, LLMP
Kathleen Jaworski, Extension Educator, Family & Consumer Resources
Ann Reid, Extension Program Assistant, Water & Marine Resources
Cheryl Smith, Extension Specialist/Professor, Plant Health
Presidential Award of Excellence
John Porter received the annual UNH Presidential Award of Excellence for an Extension Educator at the award ceremony. John is Extension Dairy Specialist/Professor in Merrimack County . Congratulations, John!

A nationwide search is underway for a new program leader for agricultural resources to replace Bruce Clement, who retired April 15. As described at the regional meetings, the new program leader will divide his/her time between overall statewide program and administrative leadership in agricultural issues (75 percent) as well as work on small farm issues (25 percent). Until selection of a new program leader, I have appointed Cooperative Extension Associate Director Nancy Franz to serve as interim program leader, supported by a leadership group made up of John Porter, Cathy Neal, George Hamilton and Margaret Hagen.

Martha Fournier joins UNH Cooperative Extension as part of the Family Lifeskills Program on May 10. Her office location is in Manchester and she will teach LEAP in Manchester, Keene, Salem and Claremont. Martha provided family therapy to court-ordered individuals and families, prepared goal-oriented individualized plans, and provided counseling. We welcome Martha to Extension!

Please welcome Judie Harvey to UNH Cooperative Extension. Judie has recently joined the BSC at Taylor Hall to take over some of the functions of the retiring Jan Furbush. Judie will be working 50% time. She and her family are no strangers to Extension as they own the Crocker Dairy Farm in Epping and have been active in 4-H for many years. Welcome Judie!

With Bruce Clement’s retirement, staff supervision at the Family, Home and Garden Education Center will change. Paul Bonaparte-Krogh will now supervise Margaret Hagen, who in turn will supervise the center staff previously supervised by Bruce. I encourage all Cooperative Extension staff to continue to support use of the center. Margaret and Paul are working to determine how to more strategically position the center and its work.

Congratulations to Debbie Luppold and Val Long for the recent approval of the $780,976 Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program grant. The grant actually comes in at $1,561,952 with the cost-share match. Also, thanks to Helen Costello for a funded SARE grant, "Food Stamp Redemptions at Farmers Markets," for $30,968.

To access an individual's "electronic records" without his or her expressed consent, you need written authorization from a University of New Hampshire Vice President. Please take the time to familiarize yourself with: USNH Policy on Privacy and Security of Technological Resources and Acceptable Use Policy for Information Technology Resources at the University of New Hampshire.

Basically, you may not access an employee's data (email, files, etc.) without written approval from a VP or consent of the individual.

Staff seeking reimbursement for travel and other expenses through the BSC for January, February and March must submit them by March 31. This includes grant-sponsored programs. Timeliness enhances management of our budget deficit. Thanks for observing this important deadline.

Paul Bonaparte-Krogh completed his first year on March 10 as Assistant Director, County Operations, and I’m preparing for his annual performance review. Please use the attached form to provide specific and substantive feedback regarding your experiences with Paul and perceptions of his effectiveness as Assistant Director. The position announcement is also available for your review. Please return your completed form by Friday, April 16. Many thanks for taking time to provide your assessment. Feel free to call if you have any information you prefer to discuss with me.

Strafford County is searching for a temporary 50% time Extension Educator for 4-H Youth Development. If you know of possible candidates please direct them to the UNH web site to apply on line.

Jon Nute received the New Hampshire Forester of the Year award at the annual winter meeting of the NH Society of American Foresters February 13. Jon, an Extension Educator, Forest Resources, in Hillsborough County for 16 years, is a licensed New Hampshire forester, a certified national forester and international arborist. He served on Executive Committees for NH Tree Farms, NH Timberland Owners and the NH Society of American Foresters. He currently serves as the New Hampshire contributing newsletter editor for the New England Society of American Foresters. Previous Extension educators to receive the award are Peter Pohl, 1990, Karen Bennett, 1992, and Phil Auger, 1997.

Members of a State Advisory Council sub-committee hit the road this past month, visiting county advisory council meetings, urging members to create their own Public Awareness Teams. These teams will develop their own plan to increase public awareness with policy makers in their county.

To bolster this effort, we’re creating a statewide database of our volunteers and key supporters. Steve Judd and Paul Bonaparte-Krogh will work with each county and other staff who maintain a database of volunteers to secure current lists and adapt them to export the necessary information. If you maintain such a database, either on campus on in the county, contact Steve Judd. Steve will work with each of you to retrieve this data for a statewide effort. We will also be discussing protocol for confidentiality and use of this information.

The Annual Administrative Office Professionals Conference will be held on the UNH Campus March 17th from 8:00 a.m. t0 4:30 p.m. in the MUB. The conference is designed for administrative office professionals. As in the past, we highly encourage our county administrative staff to attend this meeting. Details of the day’s agenda and workshop descriptions are available at: http://www.unh.edu/hr/pod/aop-conference.htm Nancy Franz and Suzann Knight will be offering workshops at this event. Jim Grady is trying to set up a meeting for all Extension staff during this event.

Sharon Ross, the victim of a serious automobile/pedestrian accident a year ago January, continues to recover from her injuries. Sharon recently moved to her own apartment and welcomes cards and communications. Her address is 3 Lita Lane, Apt. 153, Newmarket, NH 03857. She attends a therapy program three days a week in Portsmouth.

Staff separations:
Pam Gerbi leaves her part-time Merrimack County Family Development position that focused on human development/coalition building in March. Charlene Baxter will propose interim options to address the highest priority programming needs in human development in the county. Marilyn Sullivan continues her work in Family Development in Merrimack County, delivering programming in family resource management and food safety.

Barbara Hunter retires from her Family Development position in Belknap County April 15th. Barbara will continue to work two days a week through early June to wrap up program commitments. Charlene Baxter is working with Barbara and the Belknap County Advisory Council to determine the most viable options for addressing family development programming.

Even though Val Long retired at the end of December, she continues to work on contract as Nutrition Coordinator with the Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program. Debbie Luppold provides leadership to the Nutrition Connections program. Val relocated to the Merrimack County office with Andrea Talbot, Educational Program Coordinator, Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program.

With Judy Bush’s retirement last fall, the Strengthening New Hampshire Communities Team was reduced by one-third. Charlie French and Michele Gagne continue to address the highest priority needs and issues for this important initiative.

Kath Jaworski retires from Nutrition Connections, Merrimack County, in April. There is no decision regarding filling this position at this time.

Ann Dolloff left UNH Cooperative Extension in December to become the Information and Referral/Special Projects coordinator for the PA Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT) Institute on Disabilities at Temple University in Philadelphia. Chris Conlon is now the full time 4-H Camps Manager. Larry Barker has agreed to provide support to the staff at Barry Conservation Camp. Ann’s position in the department will not be filled but the Institute on Disabilities will assist with technical areas for specials audiences that Ann provided in the past.

Chris Bozak will be retiring from Strafford County in April. The county will provide funding to hire a part time educator from April through December 31, 2004. A job description is currently being developed and neighboring counties will continue to share leader training and youth development opportunities.

Sharon Meeker, Extension Specialist, Marine Education, retires April 15th. Since this position is supported primarily by Sea Grant and other funds, it will be filled.

Nancy Adams retired from Rockingham County at the end of December. The county contracted with Nancy to return one day a week to serve as the Master Gardener Coordinator. Arrangements are being discussed with the ornamental horticulture team and the Advisory Council to determine appropriate coverage for Nancy’s past work in Rockingham County.

Bill Lord retired as Fruit Specialist at the end of December. He continues to work on his research. A small fruit and vegetable specialist will be hired with split Extension and teaching duties. Until that position is filled, George Hamilton will provide coverage for this area.

David Seavey will retire in April from Merrimack County. Bruce Clement, Paul Bonaparte Krogh and the Merrimack County staff are working with county decision makers to provide increased funding to fill this position.

Bruce Clement will retire in April. The Program Area Structure Team will make a recommendation on how to address the Ag Program Leader vacancy. Nancy Franz and several ag staff will provide leadership as needed until new leadership is identified.

Jan Furbush will retire in April from the BSC. There is no decision regarding filling this position at this time.

Steve Wood retired from Sullivan County at the end of December. Bob Edmonds, Paul Bonaparte Krogh and the Sullivan County staff are working with county legislators to fill this position. Forestry and wildlife programming is being covered in Sullivan County by other forestry and wildlife Extension staff.

Again this year, President Ann Weaver Hart will present a Presidential Award of Excellence to two PAT staff, two Operating Staff, and one Extension Educator. Nominations are being accepted and are due March 26, 2004. Staff are encouraged to identify and nominate PAT, OS and EE staff who excel in dedication to the University and the successful accomplishment of its mission. An award of $1,000 will be presented to each recipient in appreciation and honor of their contributions to UNH.

Extension educators and specialists recently received new performance appraisal documents for piloting in FY ’04. Staff should direct their feedback on the pilot to a web form at http://cecf1.unh.edu/formbuilder/intforms/form24_PerfApFb.htm Thank you to Bruce Clement, Dan Reidy, Charlene Baxter, Charlotte Cross, Amy Ouelette, John Porter, Steve Turaj, Debbie Luppold, Deb Maes, Jim Grady and Nancy Franz for their work on creating the forms and process for this pilot.

On January 14, 2004, the UNH Extension Educator Council held its reorganization meeting. The following are members of the Council for 2004:

Family & Youth Development Representatives
Karen Blass Represents Family & Youth Development Educators Specialist Vacancy
Represents Family & Youth Development Specialists
This seat is open due to a retirement. An election to fill this seat takes place in February.
Deb Cheever
Represents Family & Youth Development Educators and serves as Council secretary.

Natural Resources Representatives
Steve Turaj
Represents Natural Resources Educators
George Hamilton
Represents Natural Resources Educators and serves as Council vice chair. Alan Eaton
Represents Natural Resources Specialists

At-Large Representative and Council chair
Alice Mullen

The Extension Educator Council examines issues that affect the Extension Educator classification (Extension Educators and Extension Specialists) as employees of the University of New Hampshire. The council also represents UNH Extension Educators in UNH administrative affairs, such as the System Personnel Policy Committee and on UNH committees of importance to Extension Educators.

On behalf of everyone in the organization, I especially want to thank George Hamilton for his exceptional job while serving as Chair of the EEC. George will be continuing to serve on the council as he hands over the leadership baton to Alice Mullen who will serve as Chair. I also want to thank outgoing council members Val Long and Cheryl Smith for their outstanding service on the EEC

On September 19, 2003 we announced in the Bi-Weekly Update that once we had approval from USNH, Cooperative Extension would begin to offer separation incentives (SIP) to staff. Staff needed to formally contact Jim Grady with their intentions by October 16, 2003. We received official notification our program was approved, however, official USNH policy requires that all plans, once formally approved, must have at least an official six (6) week application period. All eligible staff with five or more years of benefits eligible employment have a second opportunity to apply. The application deadline is Monday, February 2, 2004, by 5 pm. The conditions for the SIP have not changed and retirement or resignation must be on or before April 15, 2004.

Those of you who have already notified Jim Grady of their intentions will need to complete Release and Waiver and Application Agreements for approval. If you have any questions or concerns, get in touch with Jim directly. Below are the documents you need if you are interested in this offer.
Release and Waiver Agreement
Application Agreement
Plan Description

After six months of discussion and review, updated job descriptions are now complete for COAs, Extension Educators, Extension Specialists and Program Leaders. I extend my thanks to Wendy Brock, Karen Blass, Suzann Knight and Nancy Franz for their work with this effort.

Jim Grady, Paul Bonaparte-Krogh, UNH Human Resources’ staff, the Extension Educator Council and a group of educators and specialists updating performance appraisal documents for Extension Educators, also reviewed the job descriptions. The Program Leader job description awaits approval by USNH.

All staff should take a few moments to fill out the electronic form for performance feedback for County Office Administrators. Just click on the form on our web site at http://cecf1.unh.edu/eval/form4/eval_home_coa.cfm

Marshall Patmos, UNH Cooperative Extension Forest Resource Educator, is the new vice chair of the New England Christmas Tree Alliance (NECTA). NECTA, a coalition of the New England Christmas Tree Associations represents 2,500 Christmas tree farmers throughout New England. Patmos, involved with the Christmas tree industry for over 30 years, has been a representative to NECTA since 1991. He is currently a director of the NH-VT Christmas Tree Association and founding member of the NH Christmas Tree Promotion Board.

Intown Manchester, a nonprofit organization, represents Manchester’s Downtown Business District. Run by a board of directors, it includes Manchester businesses, property owners and city officials. As UNH-Manchester Dean Karol LaCroix completes her term on the board, Mary Tebo becomes the University’s new representative. In a recent note inviting Mary to the board, Dean LaCroix wrote, “There is no doubt in my mind that you would do a great job and bring some great expertise to the group.”

Mary works on a regular basis with Intown Manchester Director Stephanie Lewry, and Don Clark, director of property management and development for Dean Kamen’s science and technology interests in the Millyard. As a board member, Mary’s opportunities increase to work with Manchester decision-makers to improve Manchester’s social, environmental and economic climates. Congratulations, Mary!

Seth Wilner completes his 20 percent assignment with statewide program and evaluation planning at the end of December. Over the last several years, Seth worked with Lisa Townson to make our program development, evaluation and impact reporting more effective. Seth continues to provide PD&E advice and council to us all on an informal basis. Work continues on furthering our program effectiveness with Lisa Townson, Nancy Franz and the PD&E Council. Thanks, Seth, for your important and effective work!

Lisa Townson is the new northeast region representative to the American Evaluation Association's Extension Education Evaluation Topical Interest Group. Her election to this position took place in Reno, Nevada, earlier this month. The American Evaluation Association (AEA) is an international professional association of evaluators devoted to the application and exploration of program evaluation, personnel evaluation, technology, and many other forms of evaluation. There are over 3,000 members and 32 topical interest groups (TIG) with specialized interest in evaluation topics.

The Extension Education Evaluation TIG currently has over 160 members. Its goals revolve around professional development, improved evaluation performance and the understanding of the relationships between program development, evaluation, staff development and organizational development in Cooperative Extension systems.

The AEA annual conference, held each November, is a wonderful professional development opportunity for those with an interest in program development and evaluation. You can find a listing of workshops, publications and more information about the Topical Interest Groups (TIGs) at its web site: http://www.eval.org/ Congratulations Lisa!

As a follow-up to my memo of 11/21, I am pleased to announce the appointment of the following individuals to the Program Administration Structure Team (PAST): Jim Grady, Brian Doyle, Charlene Baxter, Larry Barker, Amy Ouellette, John Porter, Val Long, Karen Bennett and Anna Boudreau (a State Extension Advisory Council member). Nancy Franz will chair the group with the goal of recommending an optimum program administrative structure by March 1. I urge you to share your thoughts and suggestions with this team as we move forward to realize our strategic plan goals. In the meantime, please contact me if you have any questions.

Please welcome the following multiple site Family Lifeskills Program Coordinators to UNH Cooperative Extension. Elizabeth Martin worked as a preschool educator interacting with children and families in Even Start and Head Start. She modeled for parents appropriate practices in early childhood education and coordinated other services for parents. In addition, Elizabeth provided early childhood training to educators. Her program area covers Manchester, Keene, Claremont and Littleton.

Debra Sorli provided case management and supportive services to families with children at risk of abuse and/or neglect. She supervised parent aides through a program providing services to families involved with DCFY. Debra educated and supported low-income families in effective parenting, money management and nutrition/meal planning. Her program area covers Concord, Nashua, Laconia and Salem.

Erin Conlan worked as a mental health clinician providing case management to youth and families. In addition, she volunteered in a domestic violence shelter and an AIDS awareness program. Erin provided behavioral management to those dually diagnosed with mental retardation and mental illness. She worked with severe behavioral problems and taught clinicians behavioral management skills. Her program area covers Portsmouth, Rochester, Conway and Berlin.

Charlie French recently received a distinguished alumni award for outstanding professional achievements and exemplary service in community development. Western Illinois University, WIU's Peace Corps Fellows Program and the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs presented the award to French at the Macomb, Illinois City Hall. Prior to receiving the award, Charlie gave a workshop presentation to faculty, Peace Corps Graduate Fellows, and staff at Western Illinois University on "Changing Roles and Opportunities for Community Change Agents." Congratulations Charlie!

Applications are due electronically December 5 for the Northeast Extension Directors' Award of Excellence. Up to three awards are presented annually in recognition of Extension outreach education that achieved outstanding impacts in addressing contemporary issues in the 13 Northeast states.

Nominations can represent the work of an individual or multi-disciplinary team in a single state or multi-states. Applications must address seven award criteria in no more than three pages. Anyone can submit a nomination and self-nominations are appropriate. All applications require the signature of the Dean and Director. The Award of Excellence includes a plaque, certificates and a monetary stipend in support of the program. Recipients are invited to receive the award and make a presentation to directors during their winter meeting in Columbia, Maryland Thursday, January 29.

The University of New Hampshire Dean’s Council recently reviewed and approved Cooperative Extension’s Extension Educator promotion procedures, specifically approving the procedures for the new classification of Extension Faculty for those Extension Specialists who have an appointment within an academic department. You can access the procedures on our web site at http://www.ceinfo.unh.edu/cragin/admin/Secure/EEPP03.pdf

Congratulations to Suzann Knight, this year’s recipient of the Maynard and Audrey Heckel Extension Educator Fellowship Award for her Family Lifeskills program. Suzann receives a $1,000 award to “support/enhance the continued work of the chosen fellow within UNH Cooperative Extension” as designated by the Heckels. During the May 18, 2004, State Extension Conference, Suzann will highlight the program for fellow staff.

The Extension Educator Council, following a review of nominated programs, selected Suzann. Congratulations are extended to the following nominees for the award this year, Catherine Violette for the NH Safe Food Alliance program, Nada Haddad for the NH Coalition for Sustaining Agriculture project and Charlotte Cross for the Teen Assessment Project.

Effective immediately, Deborah Carr will serve as UNH Cooperative Extension’s Human Resources contact. Deb has a master's degree in management and over 20 years of experience in human resources. You can reach Deborah at 862-0507. This change resulted from the recent departures of Associate Vice President David Butler and Human Resources Partner Holly Wellstead. Sharon Demers has assumed the role of interim associate vice president.

A memorandum of agreement has been signed between UNH Cooperative Extension, the College of Liberal Arts and its Department of Education to support our Associate Director, Nancy Franz, as an affiliate with the Department of Education. In this role, she will serve on graduate student committees, attend department meetings, contribute to department research, guest lecture and work with graduate assistants and interns. Congratulations, Nancy, on expanding Cooperative Extension’s scholarly engagement with our campus partners.

The Galaxy II conference for Extension staff across the nation took place last week in Salt Lake City. Six of our staff represented New Hampshire. Debbie Cheever, Nancy Evans and Marilyn Sullivan participated in a 4-H after-school super seminar. Chris Bozak presented a poster session on the 4-H working steer project. She also was awarded a 4-H Distinguished Service award. Lynn Garland also won the meritorious service award, but was unable to attend. Nancy Bradford-Sisson won a Family and Consumer Science Distinguished Service award. Finally, Nancy Franz presented her research on Extension staff partnerships. I look forward to hearing about their conference experience. Congratulations to our award winners.

USNH hasn't made a final decision on when the FY04 salary increases will be distributed, but it is expected sometime in late fall. As soon as that information is available, staff will be informed. Salary increases will be retroactive to Sept. 1, 2003. Attached are the FY04 Salary Guidelines.

The University of New Hampshire honors Tom Fairchild Sept. 18 with the dedication of the Thomas P. Fairchild Dairy Teaching and Research Center. The dedication recognizes Tom's invaluable contributions to dairy science and the University of New Hampshire, including serving as interim UNH President from 1994-95. Tom has always been a great supporter of Cooperative Extension, most recently serving as chair of the 4-H Foundation of New Hampshire during its successful Centennial campaign. Tom, a 1959 graduate of UNH, also worked as a dairy Extension Specialist. Tom served as dean of the College of Life Sciences and Agriculture and helped establish its biology program. He is a co-founder of UNH's CREAM (Cooperative Real Education Agriculture Management Program.) The event September 18th takes place at the UNH Dairy Barns beginning at 4:00 pm with barn tours.

Gov. Craig Benson recently appointed Bruce Clement to the state's 15-member Connecticut River Valley Resource Commission. Bruce and his wife Ellen own a grass-based sheep farm in Westmoreland, where they produce and sell lamb, wool blankets, and sheep milk. He is a trustee of the Eastern States Exposition, past member and chair of the Westmoreland Zoning Board of Adjustment, and past member and secretary of the Cheshire County Conservation District. He served as director and officer of numerous organizations, including NOFA, the Cheshire Fair Association, the New England Sheep and Wool Growers Association, and national president of the Continental Dorset Club (a livestock breed registry).

Bruce states, "The Connecticut River and its watershed are very important natural resources for New Hampshire. The Joint Commission has a long and impressive record of providing leadership to strengthen the integrity of the watershed. I am honored to have been named to serve on the Commission and look forward to helping to accomplish its goals." Congratulations Bruce!

The International Community Development Society presented Judith Bush with the New Professional Award at a ceremony Wednesday at Cornell University. The award recognizes a Community Development Society member for superior contribution to the field of community development. Though Judy has worked in Extension since 1979, her formal entry into Community Development work occurred when UNH Cooperative Extension launched the Strengthening New Hampshire Communities Initiative in 1995. The award for the "New Professional" is for a professional with less than 10 years in the field of Community Development. The International Community Development Society held its annual conference at Cornell University July 20-23. The New Hampshire delegation included Nancy Franz, Charlene Baxter, Charlie French and Judy Bush. Congratulations, Judy!

Congratulations to Amy Ouellette, the new Belknap County Office Administrator as of July 1. Thanks also go to Sumner Dole, who finished his second, two-year term as COA.

The Extension Management Team is seeking a new Extension Specialist representative from the Natural Resources programs. Thanks go to Sarah Smith, who has served well in this role for the past two years. The current guidelines for EMT membership include two specialists, one from Family, Community and Youth Development and one from Natural Resources, who serve two-year, alternating terms.

The current Family, Community & Youth Development campus representative, Paula Gregory, will continue for the second year of her term. The new representative's 2-year term will begin in September. If you would like to nominate a specialist from the Natural Resources area or nominate yourself, contact Paul Bonaparte-Krogh at paul.bk@unh.edu

Congratulations to the following Extension Educators approved for promotion this week by the USNH Board of Trustees:

Extension Educator
Margaret Hagen
Deborah Maes

Associate Extension Educator
Tim Fleury
J-J Newman
Penny Turner

Based on Extension Educator Promotion Committee recommendations, promotion procedures have been revised effective July 1, 2003 (http://www.ceinfo.unh.edu/cragin/admin/Secure/EEPP03.pdf). No changes were made to the Extension Educator Ranking Chart (http://www.ceinfo.unh.edu/cragin/admin/Secure/EERC03.pdf). The revisions were discussed and approved during a recent joint meeting with the Leadership Team. The changes are as follows:

1. The Promotion Committee has been increased from five to seven members to provide full representation by the Sea Grant & Water Resources program area, and to ensure a combination of both field and campus representatives (page 1).

2. Details describing promotion of Extension Instructors to Assistant Extension Educators by administrative action has been expanded to include Extension Instructors who must earn a Master's degree before they are eligible for promotion (page 2).

3. Nominee signature line has been added to the Nomination for Consideration for Promotion form (page 16)

4. With creation of Extension Faculty designation late last year, language describing documents due Oct. 30 was revised to read "For Extension Faculty, a Promotion Evaluation by Department Chair must also be completed" (page 3)

5. Under Guidelines for Assembling Promotion Notebook, section III (Program Accomplishments) was revised to clarify: (1) team accomplishments should include a description of the nominee's contributions; (2) individual Plans of Work since last promotion should be submitted (versus the county/state plan); (3) Annual Accomplishment Reports since last promotion must be submitted; and (4) Other Major Creative Efforts are to be listed from most to least important (pages 5-6).

6. Rating category for "Contributions to the Department" was added to the Extension Faculty Promotion Evaluation by Department Chair (page 11).

Promotion Committee members are Debbie Luppold (chair), George Hamilton, Sarah Smith, Deb Cheever and Sam Stoddard.

Staff changes continue to take place based on the most recent Cooperative Extension administrative redesign, recommendations in the CRAS report, and the Cooperative Extension Strategic Plan. As of July 1, Wendy Brock will assume leadership for the 4-H Foundation of NH. In her role with external relations, Holly Young will continue to support 4-H Foundation special events. Holly will focus more fully on marketing, external relations, and program support. She will work in a team effort with Peg Boyles in Peg's full-time role as Public Outreach Writer/Editor to develop practices and materials in support of the overall Cooperative Extension program as determined by the Associate Director. I thank all three of these staff members for taking on new roles to further the work of Cooperative Extension.

Congratulations to the following PAT (Professional, Administrative & Technical) staff and Extension Educators (EE) honored for Years of Service during UNH's Annual PAT & EE Awards Ceremony yesterday:

30 Years
Bill Lord - Extension Professor and Extension Specialist, Fruit

25 Years
Phil Auger, Extension Educator, Land and Water Conservation - Rockingham County
Deb Cheever, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development - Merrimack County
Sumner Dole, Extension Educator, Forest Resources - Belknap County
Paula Gregory, Extension Specialist, 4-H Youth Development - Moiles House
Julia Mawson, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development - Hillsborough County

20 Years
Claudia Boozer-Blasco, Extension Educator, Family Development - Rockingham County
Tom Buob, Extension Educator, Agricultural Resources - Grafton County
Deborah Maes, Extension Educator, Family Development - Grafton County
Nory Parr, Extension Educator, Forest Resources - Grafton County

15 Years
Steve Adams, Communications Coordinator, Sea Grant Program - Kingman Farm
Rollie Barnaby, Extension Educator, Sea Grant & Marine Resources - Rockingham County
Karen Blass, Extension Educator, Family Development - Rockingham County
Christine Bozak, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development - Strafford County
Faye Cragin, WWW & Media Specialist, Information Technology & Distance Education - Taylor Hall
Nancy Evans, Extension Program Associate, 4-H Youth Development - Merrimack County
Nada Haddad, Extension Educator, Agricultural Resources - Rockingham County
Jonathan Nute, Extension Educator, Forest Resources - Hillsborough County
Judi Strauss, Computer Network/Systems Manager, Information Technology & Distance Education - Taylor Hall

10 Years
Julia Peterson, Extension Specialist, Water Resources - Kingman Farm

Presidential Award of Excellence
Judy Bush was awarded the annual UNH Presidential Award of Excellence for an Extension Educator by Ann Weaver Hart at yesterday's award ceremony. Judy is Extension Educator, Family Development, in Merrimack County, and Strengthening NH Communities Project Coordinator. Two PAT staff, William Conk and Tom Oxford, also received the President's Award of Excellence. Congratulations, Judy!

As part of the Strategic Plan implementation, a committee has been formed to review and revise Cooperative Extension's performance appraisal system. Members are Debbie Luppold, Steve Turaj, John Porter, Charlotte Cross, Dan Reidy, J-J Newman, Deb Maes, Charlene Baxter, Bruce Clement, Amy Ouellette, Nancy Franz and Ed McAllister The committee will meet by PictureTel on June 11, and conduct the bulk of its work via our computer network. All staff can provide input and will have opportunity to review and critique draft procedures and forms as they are developed. The committee will create a profile of the following during its first meeting:

1. Strengths of the current UNH CE performance appraisal system
2. Weaknesses in the current performance appraisal system
3. Procedures or components to be dropped, revised or added
4. Tools/forms to be dropped, revised or added
5. Other suggestions for improving the performance appraisal system

All staff are invited to submit responses to these questions though any committee member listed above. Please provide this information prior to June 11.

Detailed procedures for hiring benefits-eligible and temporary staff have been created and are effective today, May 16, 2003. All staff involved in hiring employees, including grant funded positions, are expected to become familiar with and adhere to these procedures. They are posted in the protected area of our web page under "Policies & Procedures" at http://www.ceinfo.unh.edu/Admin/Secure/HirePr03.pdf

Welcome to Nancy Franz who assumes the Associate Director position on Monday, May 5. You can reach Nancy at 862-2161 or Nancy.Franz@unh.edu. See Nancy's article in the April 2003 issue of Journal of Extension titled Transformative Learning in Extension Staff Partnerships: Facilitating Personal, Joint and Organizational Change. Sam Stoddard became County Office Administrator in Coös County on May 1, replacing Sue Buteau who completed her term in the role. Thanks to both for providing this essential county leadership.

UNH honored Operating Staff last week during their Annual Recognition Program. Congratulations and thank you to the following Cooperative Extension staff who received Years of Service Awards:

35 Years - Cheryl Estabrooke, Plant Biology Department, Spaulding Hall
20 Years - Lori Lavac, Sea Grant & Water Resources, Kingman Farm
15 Years - Nancy Oakley, 4-H Youth Development, Moiles House
Sharon Ross, Dean & Director's Office, Taylor Hall

Nancy Franz will assume the Associate Director position on Monday, May 5. In preparation for Nancy's arrival, Ed McAlllister has moved to another office in Taylor Hall. His new phone number is 862-0613. Ed's previous number (862-2161) has been assigned to Nancy.

Congratulations to Colette Janson-Sand who has been recognized as the Outstanding Dietetics Educator in the Northeast (New England, New York, New Jersey) by the American Dietetics Association. The award recognizes Colette's work in teaching, mentoring and leadership in a 4-year dietetics program. Colette's nomination was supported by letters from peers and students citing her innovative teaching skills and techniques, student mentoring, leadership through dietetic association activities, community service, honors received and professional presentations and publications.

Dr. Donald Sundberg, Vice President for Research and Public Service, will return to a faculty position effective August 30. He will be replaced by Dr. John Aber, Professor of Natural Resources, who's been appointed as Interim Vice President for one year while a national search is conducted to fill the position. Don Sundberg will be returning to the Materials Science Program where he has a long record of teaching and research accomplishments. As VP, he is credited for the ongoing growth in UNH research grants and contracts, reaching $86 million last year. Cooperative Extension is among the many units under the leadership of the Vice President for Research and Public Service.

We welcome Deb Russell who has joined us in the Dean and Director's office as a temporary administrative assistant during Sharon Ross's recovery period. Deb previously worked 12 years for the Whittemore School of Business and Economics.

The COA job description has been revised to reflect the role of the Assistant Director, County Operations. It's posted in the protected area of the web page. Select "General Staff Information" then "Job Descriptions":http://ceinfo.unh.edu/cragin/jobdscoa.htm

Project FRESH is the initiative to install and activate new finance and human resources systems. The Finance application went "live" on July 1, 2002, and the HR application will "go-live" on July 1, 2003. You'll be hearing more about this new system and changes in our reporting procedures. In the meantime, the Cooperative Extension BSC (Business Service Center) staff must undergo training later this spring. We ask your patience and understanding when BSC are unavailable for daily business due to this necessary training.

Please take a few minutes to submit evaluations for our administrative staff by March 28. See my February 10 memo for details and links to electronic forms: http://www.ceinfo.unh.edu/cragin/Common/Documents/PEFForm03.pdf

We welcome Anne Deely who joined us in January as Extension Specialist, Geospatial Technologies. Anne will be responsible for developing and delivering educational programs in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) statewide. She is located in the Family, Home and Garden Education Center in Manchester and a member of the Sea Grant, Water and Marine Resources staff. Ann's position is funded by the NH Charitable Foundation and the NH Space Grant Consortium.

Before coming to Extension, Anne was a GIS Analyst with the NH GRANIT Project (NH's GIS clearinghouse) at UNH's Complex Systems Research Center. She also worked as an organic gardener at the Sanborn Mills Farm in Loudon. Anne has a B.A. in geology from Haverford College and received her M.S. in Natural Resources from UNH in 2001. Welcome Anne!

A reminder that staff nominations for President Hart's Awards of Excellence are due March 7. See the February 7 issue of Biweekly Update for details: http://unhce.unh.edu/blogs/extupdate/archives/000735.html

I'm pleased to announce that Nancy Franz has been appointed Associate Director, effective May 5. Nancy comes to us from the University of Wisconsin-Extension where she served as a County Educator, County Department Head, State 4-H Youth Development Specialist, and most recently Program Evaluation Coordinator. Nancy completed her Ph.D. in Agriculture, Extension and Adult Education at Cornell University.

As Associate Director, Nancy will provide overall leadership for our educational programming including the Plan of Work, supervise Program Leaders, and oversee our Information Technology & Distance Education, and Educational Information & Marketing units. Nancy will also work closely with me and others in providing leadership for implementation of the Cooperative Extension Strategic Plan.

Once Nancy assumes the Associate Director position, Ed McAllister will be working on the completion of various projects until his retirement in August. During this time, he will also be playing a key role in the orientation and training process for both Nancy and Paul Bonaparte-Krogh.

I want to take this opportunity to thank the Associate Director Search Committee, led by Catherine Violette, for their exemplary work in conducting the search process that included over 40 applicants. Other members were Jim Grady, Michele Gagne, Bruce Clement, Lisa Townson, Brian Doyle, Nory Parr, Nancy Bradford-Sisson, David Foote and Larry Barker. I believe Nancy Franz is an outstanding choice for the position and look forward to her joining UNH Cooperative Extension.

President Hart is seeking nominations for the 2003 Presidential Award of Excellence. Two PAT Staff, two Operating Staff and one Extension Educator will be awarded $1,000 in appreciation and honor of their contributions to the University. All employees are urged to identify and nominate any PAT, OS, or EE employee whose dedication to UNH and demonstrated excellence through outstanding performance makes them deserving of the award. All staff were mailed the application form in a memo from Sharon Demers last week. Contact Sharon Blake if you need another copy. Nominations are due March 7.

Chris Conlon joined the 4-H Youth Development staff as Manager, NH 4-H Camps, effective January 13. He comes to us from Springfield College where he was director of outdoor programs and also recently completed his Master's Degree in Recreation Management. Chris earned his undergraduate degree at UNH in physical education with a concentration in outdoor education. Chris also has extensive experience with the Daniel Webster Council Boy Scouts of America in Manchester. Chris brings a high level of expertise, energy and enthusiasm, and we welcome him to Cooperative Extension!

Chris has been expertly guided by outgoing Camps Manager, Sheila Fabrizio, who has returned briefly to help orient Chris to his new responsibilities at Bear Hill 4-H and Barry Conservation Camps. Sheila has chosen to move on to other adventures in life with the end of the 2002 camp season. After a trip to Europe this winter she'll return to work on her family's farm in North Haverhill. NH 4-H Camps have grown tremendously under Sheila's direction. As Chris establishes himself in his new position, we look forward to exciting program growth and development, and expanded outreach to the youth and families of New Hampshire.

To accommodate space needs in Taylor Hall, Wendy Brock and Bob Edmonds recently moved their offices. Their new addresses are:

Bob Edmonds
Program Leader, Forestry & Wildlife
215 Nesmith Hall
131 Main Street
Durham, NH 03824-3597

Wendy Brock
Program Leader, 4-H Youth Development
Moiles House
180 Main Street
Durham, NH 03824-2536

I'm very pleased to announce that Paul Bonaparte-Krogh has been named Assistant Director, County Operations, effective March 10. Paul has a 24-year Cooperative Extension career in Massachusetts and New York. For the past 11 years he's served as Executive Director of Cornell Cooperative Extension in Tompkins County.

As Assistant Director, County Operations, Paul will work closely with county staff, the County Office Administrator (COA), county advisory councils and elected officials. He'll be the county's link to UNH, and provide administrative leadership in managing and coordinating Cooperative Extension's county and field operations, including the Family, Home & Garden Education Center. A major responsibility is working with staff and advisory councils to keep elected officials informed of Extension's work and involve them in identifying local needs. We welcome Paul to New Hampshire.

Deb Cheever, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development, was recognized Wednesday with the Judith Lonergan Award for outstanding volunteer administration(click here for photo). She is shown with Alexis Walker (left), NH Association of Volunteer Administrators (NHAVA) President and Judith Lonergan (right). The award, presented by NHAVA, is named for Judith Lonergan, honorary member of NHAVA, who retired following 25 years with UNH Cooperative Extension. Lonergan is recognized as a leading professional in the field of volunteer administration at the state, national and international levels. This award honors an individual for successful management of volunteer programs who is instrumental in the growth and development of the volunteer administrator profession.

Her nomination praised Cheever for instituting the first volunteer middle management system for UNH Cooperative Extension in the early 1980's. Almost 20 years later, this system continues to train "key" volunteers as supervisors of other volunteers. She has developed several curricula for training volunteers, including materials, forms and training kits. New Hampshire was the first state in the nation to have an organized program of risk management education for volunteers, and Cheever was a key initiator and is an expert in risk management issues, including laws, especially youth labor laws. She has a strong professional commitment to volunteer administration and NHAVA. Debbie has a personal commitment to improve and advance the profession of volunteer administration. She was a founder and is currently the treasurer of the NH Association of Volunteer Administrators. She served for several years on the Steering Committee of the Governor's Office on Volunteerism. As a member of the Steering Committee, she chaired the State Conference on Volunteerism after serving on the planning committee for several years. She has been active in the state, northeast, and national Association of Extension 4-H Agents, serving in many elective offices.

Extension Faculty designation was recently approved for Cooperative Extension specialists with academic affiliation in a department/program. This resulted from an Academic Plan goal to revitalize engagement and outreach, and establish Extension Faculty positions in the schools and colleges.

UNH policies and procedures created to govern the appointment of Extension Faculty stipulate appointments require approval based on the by-laws of the appointing department. Further, appointments are made for a 1-5 year term and are renewable. All specialist nominations for Extension Faculty must be formally approved by myself, the appropriate dean, and the Provost who ultimately grants the academic rank.

I'm very pleased to announce that 23 specialists have been granted Extension Faculty status corresponding with their current Extension Educator rank:

Department of Animal and Nutritional Sciences
Valerie Long - Extension Professor and Extension Specialist, Food & Nutrition
Michal Lunak - Extension Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, Dairy Management
John Porter - Extension Professor and Extension Specialist, Dairy
Catherine Violette - Extension Professor and Extension Specialist, Food & Nutrition

Department of Family Studies
Charlotte Cross - Extension Associate Professor and Extension Specialist, 4-H Youth Developent
Suzann Knight- Extension Professor and Extension Specialist, Family Resource Management

Department of Natural Resources
Frank Mitchell - Extension Professor and Extension Specialist, Land & Water Conservation
Nancy Lambert - Extension Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, Natural Resources
Julia Peterson - Extension Associate Professor and Extension Specialist, Water Resources
Karen Bennett - Extension Professor and Extension Specialist, Forest Resources
Darrel Covell - Extension Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, Wildlife
Sarah Smith - Extension Associate Professor and Extension Specialist, Forest Industry
Ellen Snyder - Extension Associate Professor and Extension Specialist, Biodiversity

Department of Plant Biology
Alan Eaton - Extension Professor and Extension Specialist, Entomology
William Lord - Extension Professor and Extension Specialist, Fruit
Cathy Neal - Extension Professor and Extension Specialist, Ornamentals
Cheryl Smith - Extension Professor and Extension Specialist, Plant Health
Stan Swier - Extension Professor and Extension Specialist, Entomology

Department of Recreation Management & Policy
Ann Dolloff - Extension Associate Professor and Extension Specialist, 4-H Youth Camps

Department of Resource Economics and Development
Charles French - Extension Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, Community & Economic Development
Michael Sciabarrasi - Extension Professor and Extension Specialist, Agricultural Business Management

Department of Zoology
Joyce (J-J) Newman - Extension Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, Aquaculture
Jeff Schloss - Extension Associate Professor and Extension Specialist, Water Resources

Peg Boyles' partial position as Public Outreach Writer/Editor will soon be expanded to full-time. She will work under Ed McAllister's supervision and in partnership with Holly Young, Educational Marketing and Information Manager. This increased support better equips us to achieve several key Strategic Plan goals. Peg will serve as a writer/editor for educational, marketing and informational materials including web site and other media content intended for general audiences. Peg will maintain her current office location. Applicants for the Agricultural Program Associate position she's held in Merrimack County are under review.

Request for Educational Materials procedures remain the same. However, an on-line form to streamline requests for writing, editing and other educational material assistance is being developed. Holly and Peg will work with Ed and Program Leaders to assess requests and determine priorities.

The Associate Director Search Committee has scheduled finalist interviews on January 13, 17 and 21. Please hold these dates and plan to participate in the seminar presentations and discussions. Further information will be provided by the search committee.

The two insurance forms, "Certificate of Liability Insurance" and "Request for Additional Insured" can be accessed via our website: http://ceinfo.unh.edu/cragin/admin/Secure/polpromn.htm. To locate these forms from the main page, select Administration followed by Internal Information and Policies and Procedures.

The Assistant Director, County Operations search committee has selected four finalists from a large pool of applicants. Finalists will each make a presentation and participate in a question & answer session on December 17 & 19. We invite all staff and advisory council members to participate in these sessions as follows:
Tuesday, December 17
10:00 - 11:30 AM Susan DeMarco (currently Senior Education Specialist for a southern NH hospital)
1:00 - 2:30 PM Charlene Baxter (currently UNH Cooperative Extension Program Leader for Family Development and Communities)
Thursday, December 19
10:00 - 11:30 AM Latif Lighari (currently Associate Director, Cooperative Extension, Tennessee State University)
1:00 - 2:30 PM Paul Bonaparte-Krogh (currently Executive Director, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Tompkins County)
Location Choices
Candidate presentations will be made in the Merrimack County Cooperative Extension office in Boscawen. Staff and advisory council members have been invited to participate and have the option to do so via interactive video (PictureTel) at the Cooperative Extension office in Sullivan, Grafton, Belknap or Rockingham County, or in Taylor Hall at UNH. Lunch will be provided at the Boscawen site only. Please inform Sharon Ross (sharon.ross@unh.edu) if you or any council members or guests (commissioners, delegation members, stakeholders) from your county plan to participate in Boscawen so we'll have an accurate lunch count.

Candidate resumes are available in county Cooperative Extension offices and from Sharon Ross in Taylor Hall. Resumes will also be available at each PictureTel site along with candidate evaluation forms. The search committee welcomes your assessment of the candidates and other comments you wish to share. Contact Steve Judd, Search Committee Chair, if you have any questions or suggestions.

An inaugural celebration for UNH President Dr. Ann Weaver Hart will be held November 21-22. Events on Nov. 21 include a student celebration in the MUB followed by an academic convocation at 3:00 in the Strafford Room featuring student presentations, a faculty panel, and a presentation by Peter Magrath (UNH ‘55), President of the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges (NASULGC). Dr. Magrath's speech, "UNH: A Research University in the 21st Century", will include comments about the importance of a land-grant's engagement and outreach mission. On Friday, November 22, a procession at noon from the Thompson Hall lawn to the Whittemore Center will be followed by an inauguration ceremony and reception at 1:00. Cooperative Extension staff are encouraged to attend these inaugural events.

Welcome to Sharon Cowen who will join us on November 4 as Extension Educator, Family Development, in Hillsborough County. Sharon lives in Bedford, NH and leaves a position as Director of Market Research with Fidelity Investments to join Cooperative Extension. She has an M.S. in Family & Consumer Economics from Ohio State University.

The Assistant Director, County Operations search committee has scheduled finalist interviews on December 17 & 19. Please hold these dates to participate in the presentations and discussions.

Anne Deely is a finalist for the Extension Specialist in Geospatial Technologies position. She will make a presentation on Monday, October 28 in Morse Hall, Room 456, from 2:45-3:30 pm. The presentation topic will be an introduction to GIS and how it can be applied for natural resources uses.

Staff, stakeholders, and interested faculty are invited to attend the presentation and provide feedback to the Search Committee. Refreshments will be served. The position description and the candidate's resume can be requested from Sharon Blake (sharon.blake@unh.edu, 862-1520).

A Search Committee has been formed for the Family Life Specialist position. This vacancy was created when Mary Temke retired in May. Members of the committee are Program Leader Charlene Baxter, Specialist Ann Dolloff, Educators Barbara Hunter and Thom Linehan, Department of Family Studies Faculty member Corinna Jenkins Tucker, and Agency Partner representative Monica Zuloff from The Hub, a Family Resource Center in Dover. A draft position announcement will be shared early next week for staff input. Advertising and recruiting will begin in early November.

Congratulations to Jeff Schloss who becomes President of the North American Lake Management Society (NALMS) next week at their 22nd Annual International Symposium on Lake and Watershed Management in Anchorage, Alaska. Jeff served as Regional Director from 1998-2001 and was elected President-Elect at last year's symposium in Madison, Wisconsin. NALMS is dedicated to forging partnerships among citizens, scientists and professionals to foster the management of lake and reservoir watersheds. Besides the yearly symposia which attract professionals, scientists, academics, agency representatives, students and citizens, NALMS also offers Lake Manager certifications, publishes and distributes a quarterly magazine (Lakeline), produces a scientific journal (Lake and Reservoir Management), and provides technical and outreach materials for watershed professionals and communities. More information is available on their website at: www.nalms.org .

Jeff was also recently appointed to serve on the National Water Quality Monitoring Council representing Environmental and Watershed Groups. The Council, co-chaired by the Environmental Protection Agency and the US Geological Survey, was instructed by Congress to provide national coordination to implement a strategy to improve water-quality monitoring in the United States and to develop water-quality information standards. Jeff served as an alternate council member representing volunteer monitoring programs for the past 4 years.

The Family Lifeskills Program Coordinator position located in the Nashua District Health & Human Services office is currently advertised with applications due Oct. 18. The position announcement is available at: http://cecf1.unh.edu/jobannounce/jobannounce_announce.cfm?rec_cnt=23.

The review of applications for the Associate Director and Assistant Director, County Operations positions has begun. A total of about 80 applications have been received following national advertising and search committees will be taking the next few weeks to review applicant materials and select individuals for screening interviews. The names of applicants and all screening discussions will remain confidential. The only names to be announced will be finalists prior to public presentations expected to be scheduled late this year.

The last issue of Biweekly Update (9/13) provided background about the New Staff Orientation and Mentoring Program being introduced this fall. We are grateful for the extensive research and development by Sally Barney and Maryann Kasprzak who created the proposed procedures and materials. The program has been reviewed by the Extension Educator Council and Leadership Team, with both groups agreeing to pilot it this fall. New employees have already been invited to an organizational overview on December10. Over the coming year we will seek your feedback and recommendations as we implement and refine this new effort.

The orientation program will span 2-years and include staff development, mentoring and evaluation. It's comprised of 8 separate yet inter-related components:

* A welcome packet - An introductory packet containing welcome letter, fact sheets, brochures, handbooks, Extension video, and other resources that support the orientation and assimilation process. It also includes Extension basics such as nametag, business cards, enclosure slips, E-mail address, UNH CE web address, etc. Each new staff member will have this packet on their desk when they arrive.

* Program Leader/Supervisor Meetings - The new staff member will meet with their supervisor early to discuss their position and first year expectations. Time will be spent reviewing the staff member's skills and recommendations for professional development may be made.

* Mentoring Program - Each new staff member will be assigned a trained peer mentor. The mentor will support the new staff member as they learn about available resources, share ideas, and come to understand the culture of the organization.

* On-Campus Formal Orientation - Twice a year, UNH Cooperative Extension will conduct a formal on-campus orientation program. These programs provide a general overview of UNH Cooperative Extension, an opportunity to spend time with the Leadership Team and an introduction to Extension resources and support.

* Basic Training - All new program staff will attend basic training sessions selected for new staff. These training sessions address key extension areas and are mandatory. The selections will change as the organization changes, but may include such areas as Adult Learning Theory, Program Development and Evaluation, Logic Model, Working with Groups, etc.

* Inservice Training - Ongoing Professional Development - In conjunction with their supervisor and with their professional development plan in mind, each employee participates in sessions appropriate for their needs. This training could include inservice training, formal course work, professional conferences, workshops, independent study, etc.

* Fact Sheets - The New Staff section of the UNH CE web site (www.ceinfo.unh.edu) links to many Extension resources related to policies and procedures, professional development, program development, evaluation and more.

* Checklists and Self-study - The Orientation Handbook contains a variety of documents to support self-study as a means to better understanding the organization.

Mentoring is a key component of the New Staff Orientation Program. Its design is based on research interviews with Cooperative Extension in 6 others states (Pennsylvania, Ohio, Colorado, Texas, Florida, Wisconsin) ; a survey of UNH CE staff hired within the past 3 years; and a review of current mentoring research .

New staff survey results indicated 15 of 21 respondents said "yes" to the question"would you like to have had a peer mentor?" The 6 who said "no" either found their own or came with previous Extension experience. Respondents felt a mentor could have assisted them with locating resources, learning corporate history, providing a support system, learning the reporting system, and better understanding program planning, implementation, evaluation, outcomes and impacts.

If you have questions, suggestions or comments, please contact Bob Edmonds, Staff Development Coordinator.

A reminder that Cooperative Extension's Conflict of Interest Policy Guidelines are posted in the protected area of the web page under Policies and Procedures. The guidelines address the following areas of potential conflict of interest:

1. Consulting
2. Private sector support for Extension activities
3. Ownership or operation of personal/private business
4. Buying, selling and/or trading in commodities and related contracts
5. Holding elected office or appointed public office
6. Providing expert witness testimony in courts, before legislative committees, etc. The guidelines can be accessed at: http://ceinfo.unh.edu/admin/Secure/Coipg99.pdf

The Extension Educator Council has been working with the Leadership Team to address the need for improved staff orientation, and strongly advocated for creation of a formal mentoring program. This need was further confirmed when it emerged as a high organizational priority in the Strategic Plan SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) Profile in fall 2000. This led to a Strategic Plan action to "maximize the success and retention of new staff by designing and implementing a comprehensive orientation, training and mentoring program" (Issue 1, Goal 2, Strategy B)

Several months ago Sally Barney and Maryann Kasprzak were engaged to conduct research on this topic and develop a staff orientation and mentoring framework. Using this topic for her degree program project, Maryann conducted research involving staff hired the past 3 years and interviewed states with orientation programs in place. Her findings along with materials gathered from other institutions lead to creation of a formal system we will soon pilot in NH. The Leadership Team and Extension Educator Council have provided input into development of the program, reviewed materials, and endorsed its introduction and use with current new staff.

Over the coming year we will seek your feedback and recommendations as we implement and refine this new Staff Orientation & Mentoring Program. An overview will be provided in the next Biweekly Update (Sept. 27), along with a description of the research study and findings. A mentor training will be conducted within the next 3-4 months.

While we fully expect this new program to be successful, we all continue to have a responsibility to make new staff feel welcome, part of the organization, and to provide the support and assistance they need to succeed.