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News and Notes: September 15, 2023

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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.  

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Leadership Notes

  1. Note from David Civittolo

    The deep appreciation and commitment you all have for Extension’s mission has never been more apparent to me than it has been over the past few weeks as I transition into my new role as interim chair and director of Extension.

  2. Dr. Keith Smith Receives Meritorious Service Award

    Dr. Keith Smith recently received the CFAES Alumni Society’s Meritorious Service Award.

Community Connections

  1. Noble Business Park Wins Community Development Society Award

    The Community Development Society (CDS) recently awarded the East of I-77 Business Park project with a 2023 Outstanding Program Award.

Programming Perspectives

  1. Farm Science Review – Sept. 19-21

    Farm Science Review is next week (Sept. 19-21). There are usually 100 plus Extension professionals at the show daily – interacting with those we serve by way of talks, demonstrations, and one-on-one chats.

  2. Renewable Diesel Energy Panel – Sept. 26

    Renewable diesel energy will be the topic for a Sept. 26 (10-11:30 a.m.) virtual panel organized by Extension’s Energy Outreach Team.

  3. Midwest Mechanical Weed Control Field Day – Sept. 27

    OSU Extension, along with Land Connection and other industry professionals, will host the Midwest Mechanical Weed Control Field Day on Sept. 27 (8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.) at the Wooster campus.

  4. Fascinating Woodland Fungi Workshop – Oct. 13

    Woodland fungi will be the focus of an upcoming Extension workshop on Oct. 13 (9 a.m.-3 p.m.) on the Mansfield campus.

  5. Save the Dates – Ag Lender Seminars Announced for Oct.17, 18 and 19

    The OSU Extension Agricultural Lender Seminars will provide professional development to new and experienced ag lenders as well as Extension educators.

  6. Soil Health Series Dates Announced for 2024

    The Soil Health Series team is planning three virtual events in 2024 – Jan. 11, Feb. 8, and March 7 (8-9 a.m.).

  7. Weeds University 2024 Date Announced – Feb. 21

    Eleven Extension offices will host Weeds University on Feb. 21, 2024 at various locations across the state.

Award Opportunities/Reminders

  1. Charles W. Lifer Excellence in 4-H Award Accepting Nominations – Due Oct. 1

    Nominations are open for the Charles W. Lifer Excellence in 4-H Award. The Lifer Award is presented annually to an Ohio 4-H educator who has demonstrated exceptional achievement.

  2. 2023 ESP Award Nominations – Due Oct. 1

    Epsilon Sigma Phi is accepting nominations for its 2023 awards in the areas of creative works, team teaching, special chapter, friend of Extension, and excellence in Extension.

  3. Ohio JCEP/ESP Creative Works Awards Applications – Due Oct. 6

    The Ohio JCEP/ESP Creative Works Awards applications are now available, and submissions are due Oct. 6.

  4. NCR-SARE Announces 2024 Call for Youth Educator Grant Proposals

    The 2024 North Central Region-Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (NCR-SARE) Youth Educator Grant Call for Proposals is now available.

Tech Updates

  1. Microsoft Teams to Replace Skype for Business – November 2023

    The university’s communication landscape will change in November 2023 as Microsoft Teams will replace Skype for Business. As outlined in the CFAES News and dean’s update, most of the college will begin moving to Teams Calling on Nov. 8 and 15.

Operations/Business of Extension

  1. Vita Data Entry Update – Dec. 15 Deadline for 2023

    As previously announced, Vita was retired for general Ohio State use on Aug. 1. However, all OSU Extension program faculty and staff who have entered data into Vita still have access and must continue to enter data into Vita for the remainder of 2023.

  2. Required Report=Support! Training

    The safety and well-being of the university community is one of Ohio State’s top priorities.

Celebrating Colleagues

  1. Real Money. Real World. Program Receives National Recognition

    The Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education recently announced Extension’s Real Money. Real World. (RMRW) program as the recipient of its 2023 Outstanding Education Program of the Year Award.

  2. Ag Safety Program Receives NIFA Grant

    The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) recently announced that the CFAES Agricultural Safety Program will receive a Smith-Lever Special Needs Competitive Grant.

  3. AEDE Courtesy Appointments Announced

    AEDE recently announced courtesy appointments to three Extension faculty members. Congratulations to Bruce Clevenger, David Marrison, and Eric Richer on this achievement.

  4. Two New 4-H Books Pass National 4-H Peer Review

    Two 4-H project books recently received national 4-H peer review status – Kitchen Boss and Superhero You.

Professional Development Opportunities

  1. 2024 North Central Leadership Conference Accepting Submissions for Talks and Sessions – Deadline Extended to Sept. 18

    The North Central Leadership Conference has extended the deadline for submissions through Sept. 18 for its April 2024 conference in Fargo, ND. Talks and sessions will focus on one of its three focus areas: connecting, leading, and mentoring.

  2. Ohio Community Wildlife Cooperative Conference – Nov. 15

    Save the date for the 2023 Ohio Community Wildlife Cooperative Conference on Nov. 15 at the Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center.

  3. OSU Leadership Center Offers Professional Development Workshops

    Check out the ongoing list of workshops hosted by the Leadership Center.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

  1. CFAES Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Updates

    CFAES is committed to ensuring that all of its research and related educational programming are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis.

Extension Annual Conference

  1. Regional Conversations Scheduled for Fall 2023

    In place of the in-person annual conference, Extension will host regional conversations this year during the week of Nov. 13.

  2. 2024 Annual Conference Dec. 10-11

    Save the date for Extension’s 2024 Annual Conference Dec. 10-11. The 2024 event will be in-person in Columbus. More details will be shared as the planning committee starts its work. 

Health and Wellness

  1. Gather Your Gratitude Email Wellness Challenge – Sign up by Sept. 20

    It is time to sign up to offer the Gather Your Gratitude Email Wellness Challenge in individual counties. The Live Healthy Live Well Team is already planning emails, webinars, and promotional pieces for this year’s program.

  2. Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

    September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. During the month, we recognize the nationwide launch of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

  3. Third Quarter Deadline for Lifestyle Spending Account

    Ohio State’s Lifestyle Spending Account (LSA) reimburses employees up to $125 quarterly for eligible expenses related to health, fitness, family, emotional and social wellness. The third

  4. Hit The Road With The Buckeyes

    Ohio State football season also means the Your Plan for Health signature fall team walking challenge – Hit The Road With The Buckeyes – is just around the corner.

  5. Policy Reminder: Drug-Free Workplace Policy

    To provide for the health and safety of the university community, Ohio State supports and enforces a drug-free work environment.