CFAES Give Today
Extension Operations

Ohio State University Extension

CFAES

News and Notes: September 27, 2024

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.

Leadership Notes

  1. Over the past few weeks, many of you have been putting in extra hours. Whether it was for Farm Science Review, drought response and education, or helping in crisis situations, please know that your extra time invested in Extension’s mission is greatly appreciated.

  2. There will be a director’s video update on Sept. 30 (9 a.m.). Join David Civittolo and some of your Extension colleagues for an update on numerous Extension-related items and happenings via a Zoom meeting.

  3. Joe Lucente will begin serving Extension as the acting assistant director, community development, on Oct. 1, 2024. This appointment will be effective through June 30, 2025, or until David Civittolo returns to that role.

  4. The committee had an opportunity recently to meet with Dr. Tracy Kitchel, CFAES senior associate dean and director of faculty and staff affairs.

College Connections

  1. Join CFAES faculty and staff for an Understanding Agroecosystem Tradeoffs in a Changing Climate webinar on Oct. 14 (9-10 a.m.) via Zoom. It will focus on how farmers can adapt to changing climate conditions while supporting agricultural production and protecting critical ecosystem services.

  2. The annual Stinner Summit will be held Nov. 15 at The Lodge at Hocking College and will focus on healthy Appalachian agroecosystems.

Community Connections

  1. The USDA is organizing a Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) Research and Technology Development meeting on Oct. 16-17 in Wooster.

Programming Perspectives

  1. Join Extension professionals at a workshop that focuses on beneficial insects. This learning opportunity will be offered on Oct. 2 (in Wooster), Oct. 7 (in Mansfield), and Oct. 23 (Columbus).

  2. Controlling soil erosion during forestry operations, and constructing roads and trails on property will be the focus of two upcoming Extension forestry workshops.

Award Opportunities/Reminders

  1. The Ohio Joint Council of Extension Professionals and Epsilon Sigma Phi are now accepting applications for the 2024 award season in the following categories:  

Operations/Business of Extension

  1. As election season approaches, here are some reminders about Ohio State's policies on political activity and working the polls.

Celebrating Colleagues

  1. Congratulations to the following Extension professionals for recently being recognized as regional and national NAE4-HYDP award winners.

  2. The Ohio No-Till Council recently announced that Sarah Noggle, educator, agriculture and natural resources, is the recipient of its 2024 Outstanding Educator Award.

  3. The Ohio chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi is now accepting nominations for the 2024 Friend of Extension award. The Friend of Extension Award is a way to recognize and thank those who have contributed so much to the critical efforts of Extension and our land-grant mission.

  4. Ready, Set,...Mow!, an Ohio 4-H curriculum book, recently passed national 4-H peer review. This means it was blind peer reviewed by an independent team of 4-H educators across the country.

Professional Development Opportunities

  1. Join Extension professionals for a three-module program series aimed at equipping mental health professionals with the knowledge and resources to support the agricultural community. Completion of all modules is required to earn Farm Stress Certification.

  2. Extension professionals who are interested in learning how to publish their work (by way of fact sheets, conference proceedings, academic journals, and more) should plan to attend this two-part webinar on Oct. 22 and 29 (1 p.m.).

  3. Achieving the Extension Mission through Volunteers (AEMTV) is a national online cohort-based course for Extension professionals who work with volunteers to deliver programs in all program areas.

  4. The Office of Sponsored Programs and the CFAES Office for Research and Graduate Education provide scheduled office hours tailored to Extension professionals.

Health and Wellness

  1. The Live Healthy Live Well Team recently featured the health benefits of friendships on its blog. Friendship is one of the most elevating aspects of life.

  2. 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.