CFAES Give Today
Extension Operations

Ohio State University Extension

CFAES

News and Notes: June 15, 2023

OUR VISION: Ohioans have the knowledge and resources they need to actively engage in creating conditions in which they thrive.

OUR MISSION: We create opportunities for people to explore how science-based knowledge can improve social, economic and environmental conditions.

Helpful hint: You can view each News and Notes issue in its entirety by clicking on the Printer-Friendly Version red button on the right side of that issue's landing page.

In This Issue:

Leadership Notes

  1. Thoughts from the Director
  2. Assistant Director, Agriculture and Natural Resources Finalists Announced
  3. Assistant Director, Community Development Search Status
  4. Assistant Dean and Associate Chair Search

College Connections

  1. CFAES Drought Rapid Response Team Activated
  2. Cooperatives and Sustainable Development in Appalachia – June 29 Conversation
  3. Join Appalachia Cooperates Initiative Network Calls

Programming Perspectives

  1. Water Quality Team Field Day to be Held on July 20
  2. EPN Breakfast with the Birds at the Grange Insurance Audubon Center — July 11
  3. Call Before You Cut Program Can Assist Landowners on Timbering Decisions
  4. Manure Science Review Will Be Held on Aug. 3
  5. 2023 Income Tax School Schedule Now Available
  6. 2023 Good Agricultural Practices Training Policy Update

Tech Updates

  1. Wi-Fi Improvement at Ohio State: Phase Two of eduroam Project

Celebrating Colleagues

  1. Engaged Scholar: Tim McDermott Recognized by Outreach and Engagement
  2. Ohio JCEP Awards Announced

Professional Development Opportunities

  1. The Science of a Successful Presentation – Webinar to be Held on June 28
  2. Registration is Open for National ESP Conference
  3. Weekly Office Hours via Office of Sponsored Programs and CFAES Office for Research and Graduate Education – June 2023 Sessions
  4. Advancement in Extension Open Office Hours – July 12

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

  1. Juneteenth Holiday Observed on Monday, June 19
  2. Upcoming CFAES DEI Workshops
  3. June is LGBTQ Pride Month

Health and Wellness

  1. June Buckeye Wellness Tip: Men’s Health Month

  1. Thoughts from the Director

    Dear Colleagues, 

    It’s hard to believe that it’s already mid-June and official summer begins next week. I know it’s a busy fair, camp, and field work season, but I also hope you have been able to plan a vacation and/or some long weekends during the next few weeks to recharge and refresh your own batteries. I’m excited to be going on vacation at the end of the month, and I look forward to some great family and friend time away from the office. 

    With refueling in mind, I want to pass along some general expectations for balancing life and work in Extension that I shared during the Ohio JCEP (Joint Council of Extension Professionals) meeting earlier this week. I encourage you to keep these in mind as you connect with your office teammates, and please remember to give consideration to everyone’s life/work balance, as it may look a little bit different than your own. 

    • A 60-hour work week should be the exception, not the rule. There are busy seasons, but on par, this is not an expectation.  
    • Set boundaries for when you are off the clock. You do not have to share your personal cell number. Your Skype or other number can be forwarded to your cell phone, and that can help you differentiate a work call from a personal call. 
    • You should step away from email at night and on weekends. Set clear guardrails for yourself with your colleagues and your volunteers and clientele. We all need the mental break and time away from work demands. 
    • You can take 24-48 hours to respond to a non-urgent question or phone call. Simply acknowledge the receipt of the request and let them know you will be in touch shortly. 
    • Stay off of the grid during vacations, and prepare your team(s) in advance so you can do so. 
    • Plan ahead and protect your vacations – use your hours. Do not lose the days the university has already allocated for you to be out of the office.  
    • Become familiar with the flexible work arrangements available to you. They have been shared broadly; but as a review, they include up to one full day of telework weekly for everyone in the office, if there is work that can be done remotely. Educators can work up to two full days (16 hours) telework per week. There should be no one working a majority of their time from home on a regular basis, unless they have worked this out with their supervisor; and it should be focused on doing deep work or virtual education/programming, not simply preference. It goes without saying that performance, responsivity, and communication are expected remotely, as they are in the office. 
    • There is a compressed work week option available for 4 x 10-hour days, if this can be worked out with the unit and supervisor. This is based on ability to maintain specific office operations and role. 
    • Check with your supervisor if you are interested in a flexible work arrangement.  
    • There is the option of predictable staggered start and stop times within an office, if the public office hours are covered and your schedule can be worked out with the office and supervisor. 
    • There is the option of professional scheduling, but this must involve effective communication with unit colleagues and supervisors. Colleagues should know in advance when possible, and your calendar should always be up-to-date. You will likely know at least a few days ahead of time when you have night and weekend meetings. 
    • Educators often will be in the field or at other off-site meetings, and it is to be expected that they won’t always be at their desks. However, all calendars should be up-to-date and shared. Communication is key. 
    • We have more flexibility now than ever before in Extension; but we must keep our clientele, community, and colleagues in mind. It is only fair to be flexible for others as well as when we desire it for ourselves.

    As always, I am so proud of the work we do in Extension and all of your passion to bring the vision and mission of OSU Extension to life. I trust that we can apply the same professionalism with which we do our jobs to our life/work balance conversations and plans with our teammates. 

    If you have any other helpful suggestions for life/work balance or things you’ve tried that work really well, please share those with me. I’d love to hear how our professionals are being creative at balancing their work and life priorities!

    Best regards, Jackie 

  2. Assistant Director, Agriculture and Natural Resources Finalists Announced

    Three candidates have accepted the invitation to participate as finalists in on-campus interviews for the assistant director, Agriculture and Natural Resources position. All are welcome to attend the seminars or view the recordings and share feedback via  Qualtrics surveys that will be made available. Faculty and staff are also invited to meet the candidates during a 45-minute interview session immediately following each seminar. We are looking forward to your participation in this important search. 

    June 16 — Dr. Melissa Wilson 

    June 21 — Mr. Gregory LaBarge 

    June 22 — Dr. Terry Griffin 

  3. Assistant Director, Community Development Search Status

    The search process for the assistant director, Community Development is complete. Recommendations have been received, and an announcement is expected soon. Thank you again to Pat Bebo, assistant director, Family and Consumer Sciences, for chairing that search committee; and thanks to the search committee members.

  4. Assistant Dean and Associate Chair Search

    The Assistant Dean and Associate Chair, Ohio State University Extension and Department of Extension position is now posted for internal candidates. Interested individuals should refer to job opening R80497 at hr.osu.edu/careers. A direct link to the position information is at myworkday.com/osu/d/inst/15$392530/9925$167863. The priority application date is June 23.

    The search committee includes Greg LaBarge (chair), Bruce Clevenger, Maurice Eastridge, Theresa Ferrari, Myra Moss, Daniel Remley, and Kathy Tutt. 

    Greg Davis has done a fantastic job in this position, and we have a difficult task replacing his contribution to OSU Extension and the Department of Extension. If you have any questions on the search process or position description, Greg (labarge.2@osu.edu) or one of the committee members. 

     

  5. CFAES Drought Rapid Response Team Activated

    In response to the state’s potential drought conditions this summer and fall, the college has formed a Drought Rapid Response Team to provide Extension professionals and the public with information on the situation as the growing season progresses. Visit go.osu.edu/ohiodrought for current information including maps, videos and more. 

  6. Cooperatives and Sustainable Development in Appalachia – June 29 Conversation

    Join the conversation about opportunities and challenges of sustainable development in Appalachia on June 29 (1-2 p.m.) (free via Zoom). To register, visit osu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIsce2gqTktGtfng6X0oZ2Ll-XU65wkM33t#/registration. 

     Join the discussion on the co-op model, the potential relationship between cooperatives and sustainable development goals, current efforts to support a cooperative ecosystem in central Appalachia, and opportunities and barriers to cooperatives in our region. Audience members are encouraged to bring their own experiences and questions to share as part of this moderated conversation.

    Roundtable Panelists

    · Todd Nesbitt, professor at Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania 

    · Myrisa Christy, project and development specialist with Kentucky Center for Agricultural and Rural Development 

    · Hannah Scott, program director at The Ohio State University CFAES Center for Cooperatives 

    · Moderated by Dr. Kathryn Engle, director of the Appalachian Center at the University of Kentucky 

    Contact Samantha Black (black.1156@osu.edu) with questions about this talk. 

  7. Join Appalachia Cooperates Initiative Network Calls

    As part of the Appalachia Cooperates Initiative, the CFAES Center for Cooperatives hosts monthly networking calls where cooperative, community, and business developers in Central Appalachia can share cooperative projects, discuss best practices, and learn about cooperative development resources. This informal meeting provides a space where individuals can meet and learn more about what is happening throughout the Appalachian region. Participants can share updates and ask questions in an open forum. There is no cost to attend networking calls. Sessions are not recorded. The next meeting will be June 26 (2-3 p.m.). Register online here.

    Connect with the CFAES Center for Cooperatives. Do you have ideas for future roundtable topics? Questions about the cooperative model? Connect with us. Visit cooperatives.cfaes.ohio-state.edu for more information. Contact the CFAES Center for Cooperatives at osucooperatives@osu.edu or 614-247-9705. Follow us on social media on Twitter at @OSUCooperatives and Facebook @OhioStateCooperatives and on our blog Collaboration Nation. For assistance with registration or additional questions about events, contact Samantha Black (black.1156@osu.edu) or 614-247-9774. 

  8. Water Quality Team Field Day to be Held on July 20

    The OSU Extension Water Quality Team is hosting a field day on July 20 (9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.), focused on topics related to in-field and edge-of-field conservation practices. The keynote speaker, Kevin King, is a research lead and agricultural engineer with USDA-ARS. OSU Extension is partnering with Michigan State University Extenson, USDA-ARS, and Cargill to host the field day. The event is sponsored by The Nature Conservancy. Extension program staff and clientele are welcome to attend. The field day is free, but registration is encouraged. Review the attached overview and agenda for more information. Register at go.osu.edu/WQTeamFieldDay. 

  9. EPN Breakfast with the Birds at the Grange Insurance Audubon Center — July 11

    The Environmental Professionals Network (EPN) Breakfast and Summer Field Trip on July 11 (7:45 to 10:45 a.m.) will feature hands-on learning activities, networking, food, and birding at the Grange Insurance Audubon Center. Join this event to explore the places, spaces and people who are increasing community involvement in the outdoors, birding, and ecological restoration in central Ohio. Registration details are posted here. 

  10. Call Before You Cut Program Can Assist Landowners on Timbering Decisions

    The Call Before You Cut program is a collaborative effort between OSU Extension and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources – Division of Forestry. It is a one-stop-shop for all Ohio woodland owners contemplating timber harvest, with easy access to a variety of resources and recommendations on where to get assistance with the decision-making process. This program is now available in nine states. 

    Visit callb4ucut.com or call 1-877-424-8288 to learn about and access the resources or to request information. Check out this brief video that provides an overview of selling timber: Considering a timber harvest? Call before you cut.

    If you have any questions about the Call Before You Cut program, contact Dave Apsley, Extension specialist, natural resources, (apsley.1@osu.edu) or download this PDF resource.

  11. Manure Science Review Will Be Held on Aug. 3

    Join OSU Extension on Aug. 3 (8:50 a.m. - 4 p.m.) in Bryan, Ohio for the Manure Science Review. Workshop topics will include logistics of handling poultry litter, composting mass mortality from HPAI, best practices for manure spill response, liquid and solid manure equipment demonstrations, comparing P205 content in manure, spreader calibration, and more. Continuing education credits are available for this workshop. 

  12. 2023 Income Tax School Schedule Now Available

    The 2023 Income Tax School schedule has been set. In addition to the traditional two-day income tax schools, four-part webinar series, and ag tax issues webinar, there will be a summer update and a new Introduction to Tax for the Beginning Tax Professional Workshop. This new course will focus on the 1040 and is intended to provide attendees with a strong foundation in Form 1040 preparation by using real world scenarios. A detailed list of Income Tax School dates and locations can be found at farmoffice.osu.edu/tax/income-tax-schools.

    All of these course offerings are available to Extension professionals for free. To register for any of these schools, contact Barry Ward (ward.8@osu.edu) or Jeffrey Lewis (lewis.3516@osu.edu). There is no need to register through the website, because it will charge a fee.

  13. 2023 Good Agricultural Practices Training Policy Update

    Since beginning its work in 2021, CFAES’s Fresh Produce Working Group has outlined several safety recommendations for how to enhance the safety of food products as they enter the supply chain. One results of the group’s work, led by Dr. Melanie Ivey and Dr. Sanja Ilic, was the development of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) training. This educational opportunity was created to share food safety information with anyone directly working with food (on farms, in gardens and other controlled environments for sale or donation purposes) as it enters the food supply. This training is not a requirement of producers, but it is a marketing tool they can use to differentiate their products from those of their competitors.

    There are two resources we’d like to share with you:

    • Overview of how we are addressing the need for training within Extension – click here
    • Update on the 2023 growing season – click here

  14. Wi-Fi Improvement at Ohio State: Phase Two of eduroam Project

    The university is moving to eduroam and device-based authentication for Wi-Fi, with osuwireless set to retire in summer 2024. In Phase two of this project, those whose devices are managed by the Office of Technology and Digital Innovation (OTDI) have received or will receive email communication directly from OTDI to make them aware of when their device will transition to eduroam. Faculty, staff, and students also can now configure personal devices by visiting wireless.osu.edu and selecting “connect to eduroam.” For more information, visit it.osu.edu/news/2023/05/11/improving-wi-fi-ohio-state-phase-two-eduroam-project.

  15. Engaged Scholar: Tim McDermott Recognized by Outreach and Engagement

    The Ohio State Office of Outreach and Engagement recently recognized Tim McDermott, educator, agriculture and natural resources, with OSU Extension in Franklin County, as an Engaged Scholar. Tim has built numerous relationships and partnerships with community leaders and other local citizens related to gardening and urban agriculture. As Tim says,

    “One passion of mine is to engage in on-farm urban agricultural research with farmers, students and faculty to address challenges faced by increasing urban heat due to global climate change."

    The Engaged Scholar series highlights Ohio State faculty who have made an impact in our communities through their community-engaged research and teaching. Read the Q&A with Tim online at engage.osu.edu/engaged-scholars-timothy-mcdermott. 

  16. Ohio JCEP Awards Announced

    On behalf of the Ohio JCEP Scholarships, Grants, and Awards Committee, we congratulate all the recipients of the Professional Development Scholarship Awards so far this year.

    First Timer Scholarship Winners 

    Lydia Flores, educator, 4-H youth development, Marion County: $500 for NAE4HYDP Conference

    Zoie Clay, program assistant, 4-H youth development, Lawrence County: $500 for NAE4HYDP Conference 

    Erin Ruggiero, educator, family and consumer sciences, Medina County: $500 for NEAFCS Conference

    Megan Taylor, educator, family and consumer sciences and 4-H youth development (is this correct use of the ands since there are two roles?), Union County: $500 for NAE4HYDP Conference

     Round 1 Grant Winners 

    Amanda Raines and Jami Dellifield – Hardin County: $500 for their Youth/Adult 4-H Cultural Exploration Trip to Chicago

    Carrie Brown, Connie Smith, Shannon Carter, and Stan Smith: $500 for their Celebration of Local Foods in Fairfield County event

     Round 2 Professional Development (Scholarship) Winners 

    Heather Reister, educator, family and consumer sciences, Butler County: $600 for her participation in the Certified Infant Sleep Consultation Training

    Joshua Winters, educator, agriculture and natural resources, Jackson County: $600 for his participation in the ANR Professionals Retreat

    Margo Long, program manager, Ohio 4-H Workforce Development and Pathways, State 4-H Office: $600 for her participation in the Mike Rowe Work Ethic Training

    Cheryl Kleckner, program specialist, SNAP-Ed, NW Region: $114.99 for her participation in Developing Coaching Skills

    Emily Masters, educator, 4-H youth development, Butler County: $600 for her participation in the National ESP Conference

    Amanda Douridas, educator, agriculture and natural resources, Madison County: $475 for her participation in the National Extension Conference on Volunteerism

    Round 1 Professional Development (Scholarship) Winners 

    Carol Smathers, field specialist, family and consumer sciences, FCS State Office: $750 for her participation in the 4-H Global Summit

    Ted Wiseman, educator, agriculture and natural resources, Perry County: $750 for his participation in in the International Grassland Congress

    Laura Stanton, educator, family and consumer sciences, Warren County: $250 for her participation in Inside Out International Conference

    Mackenzie Lowe, educator, 4-H youth development, Meigs County: $250 for her participation in Real Colors Facilitator Training

    Sarah Longo, program coordinator, 4-H youth development, 4-H State Office: $250 for her participation in Real Colors Facilitator Training

    Steve Brady, educator, 4-H youth development, Warren County: $250 for his participation in the Global Engagement Certificate Program

    Bruce Zimmer, educator, 4-H youth development, Washington County: $250 for his participation in the National Extension Conference on Volunteerism 

    Katie Cole, educator, 4-H youth development, Seneca County: $250 for her participation in Real Colors Facilitator Training

    Thanks to all the applicants. It is inspiring to see the work of our colleagues around the state. The final round for scholarships and grants this year will open soon. Both applications are due September 1, 2023.

  17. The Science of a Successful Presentation – Webinar to be Held on June 28

    Epsilon Sigma Phi (ESP) is hosting a webinar on June 28 (1-2 p.m.), focusing on best practices for online teaching with multimedia and other tools. Katie McFarland, ESP member with the Theta Chapter in Idaho, will share tools and “how to” tips that Extension educators can use in multimedia presentations. Learn more and register at portal.espnational.org/event-5270985. 

  18. Registration is Open for National ESP Conference

    Join Extension professionals from across the United States for ESP’s annual conference Sept. 25-28 in Billings, MT. Visit portal.espnational.org/2023-National-Conference for a complete event overview (including guest speakers and pre-conference tours) or to register. Contact Shannon Carter (carter.413@osu.edu) if you know you’ll attend the conference and would like to receive an invitation to Ohio’s State Night Out.  

  19. Weekly Office Hours via Office of Sponsored Programs and CFAES Office for Research and Graduate Education – June 2023 Sessions

    The Office of Sponsored Programs and the CFAES Office for Research and Graduate Education is offering scheduled office hours for Extension professionals. The goal of these weekly office hours is to answer questions that you have about grants, ranging from proposal submission to the epa-005 process, through award management. The office hours are held weekly from 1-2 p.m. in 15-minute time slots. 

    If you are interested in this opportunity, register via Picktime. Indicate your preferred date and time and include your name, your email, your award or grant number, and your question. You will receive an email confirmation of your registration from the CFAES Office for Research and Graduate Education. 

  20. Advancement in Extension Open Office Hours – July 12

    Being able to tell your story is a key factor for advancement in Extension. On July 12 (3 to 4 p.m.), Greg Davis will host open office hours for anyone interested in learning more about how to effectively write the documents that will greatly assist in promotion and tenure. 

    There are three types of documents that will help with the advancement process: 

    • 3-page Narrative — the foundation for A&P educators I-III 
    • Faculty-type dossier — for A&P IV advancement 
    • OAA faculty dossier — for faculty 

    If you are interested in learning more about any of these documents, join the open office hours on July 12 (via Zoom). The format is informal, and questions will be addressed in a first come, first-served approach. No registration is required. You are welcome to come for as much or as little as your schedule allows. If none of these dates/times work for you and you want to talk more after checking out the materials linked above, please email Greg (davis.1671@osu.edu). 

    July 12 zoom link: osu.zoom.us/j/94433000232?pwd=S1lkWkI2QzduRnBpOFc5WW9kTFkzUT09 

    More information about promotion through Extension is shared on our blog, and this short video also has some basic information and FAQs for your reference.

  21. Juneteenth Holiday Observed on Monday, June 19

    The university will be closed on June 19 in observance of Juneteenth. This national holiday marks the end of slavery in the United States. The following is excerpted from a previous note by Jackie Kirby Wilkins, associate dean and director of OSU Extension. 

     “During the celebration of Juneteenth, we have an opportune time for reflection, dialogue, and planning regarding who we want to be as a community as it relates to valuing and affirming every person. OSU Extension will continue to do the hard work of recognizing our many strengths, while being courageous and dedicated to identifying, evaluating, and addressing areas where we have failed, either in our mission to serve all of the members of our community or to one another. I encourage each of us to take some time to truly reflect where we have some work to do, personally, and as an organization.”

    — Jackie Kirby Wilkins

    In addition, remember to review the CFAES Principles of Community that we in OSU Extension, as part of the CFAES community, practice. An infographic of the principles is also available.

  22. Upcoming CFAES DEI Workshops

    Click the links to learn more and register. 

    June 21 – The Language of Inclusion: Pronouns and Other Gendered Words 

    June 29 – Exploding Myths About Transgender and Nonbinary People 

  23. June is LGBTQ Pride Month

    Ohio State joins the LGBTQ community in celebrating all month with special events. Click here for a list of upcoming events as well as resources that are available throughout the year.

     

  24. June Buckeye Wellness Tip: Men’s Health Month

    Throughout June, Men’s Health Month encourages boys and men to take charge of their health by engaging in healthy lifestyle behaviors. Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of men. Aim to be physically active every day, eat at least five fruits/veggies per day and whole grains, get 7-9 hours of sleep and schedule proper screenings according to your age. This wellness tip is brought to you by Ohio State’s Chief Wellness Officer Bernadette Melnyk. Read more here.