"The best method of overcoming obstacles is the team method." -- Colin Powell

Annual conference is just a few weeks away, and as I reflect on the past year I am thankful for the privilege of working with the officers and committee chairs of ESP. I am reminded of the comment a wise dairy producer from Maryland made about success - Jay Phipps-Douthit said, "Success is surrounding yourself with people who know more than you and listening to them." I would like to share with you some of the accomplishments of your ESP officer and committee chair team.

Hats off to Gail Carlson, President-Elect of ESP. Gail has represented ESP at the North Central Regional Leadership Workshop, handles the task of newsletter editor, has chaired the by-law review committee, and represents ESP on the annual conference planning committee and with UMEA. This organization is in very capable hands with Gail.

With committee chairs like Pat Snodgrass, Brenda Procter, Joan Hickman, Rex Ricketts, David Lindell and Barbara Froke, there are no worries. Each one has handled their respective responsibilities with professionalism and enthusiasm. I especially want to recognize Barbara Froke, our newest committee chair, for taking on the task of the very first retirement committee. Under Barbara's leadership, I know we will strengthen the relationship we have with our life members. Through Pat's leadership, we have received a significant contribution to the Loan and Fellowship fund from the estate of Frances Pringle, Joan has capably organized the upcoming satellite downlink, and Brenda has received a number of nominations for award recognition. Rex continues to handle the daunting task of membership recruitment and retention, and David has tactfully handled memorials for this organization for several years.

Thanks again to Bob Schultheis for the ESP web page. We're fortunate to have Bob's expertise to move us into the Internet age. Tom Henderson and assistant treasurer Laura Ward are more than just the people who handle the money - they have assisted us with teleconferences, meeting space, and other details throughout the year. Eldon Cole has maintained our records through his annalist role, and has helped the organization to redefine this office. And finally, Dr. Jim Ollar has not only helped guide me throughout the year, but is coordinating the very important ice cream social at annual conference this year.

The mission of Epsilon Sigma Phi is to foster standards of excellence in the Extension System and to develop the Extension profession and professional. I am proud to say that this officer and committee chair team has certainly attained that standard of excellence, and I know that level of commitment will continue.

Nominations for officers for the 2001 have been approved by the Board for presentation to membership at the annual meeting. The nominees are; President - Gail Carlson, President-Elect, Georgia Stuart-Simmons, Secretary - Roxanne Miller and Annalist - Bob Schultheis. Gail is MU state specialist for health education programs and currently serves as President-Elect. Georgia is regional 4-H youth specialist in the WC region, headquartered in Johnson Co. and previously served as chapter Secretary. Roxanne is regional information specialist in the EC region, headquartered in St. Louis Co. Bob currently serves as chapter Secretary and is regional agricultural engineering specialist in the SW region, headquartered in Webster Co. For 2001, Tom Henderson will complete a second two-year term as Treasurer.

Bylaws Changes Being Recommended
by Gail Carlson, President-Elect

The ESP bylaws were reviewed by Gail Carlson, Jim Ollar, Dale Hagerman, and Bob Schultheis and discussed by the ESP board at its Sept. 5^th meeting. The Board recommended that the bylaws changes be presented to the membership for their consideration. Bylaws changes will be voted on at the annual meeting and in accordance with the bylaws will be sent to all members at least threes week prior to the annual meeting or by October 2. Active members will receive the bylaws by e-mail. Life members will be sent the bylaws with the fall newsletter.

Hey good news:  It's membership renewal time.  Get out the checkbook and renew your membership now, its only $41.00 and should be sent to the "Honorable" Dr. Thomas Henderson, Treasurer to ESP, 108 Whitten Hall, University of Missouri Columbia, Missouri 65211. Remember if you pay in advance we won't be hounding you for money for membership at annual conference. We made it easy by adding a membership renewal form at the end of the newsletter (or click here to get the one-page version).

Here is a Lifetime Membership opportunity. If you have retired and paid your 2000 membership for only $80.00 you will be able to be a Lifetime member of ESP and take advantage of all the great benefits of belonging for ever and ever to ESP.  If You wait until after the 1st of the year 2001 the price goes to $150.00 so don't wait it's to good a deal to pass up.  Barb Froke will be in touch and you the official best offer ever for Lifetime membership in ESP.

Just in case one of you fails to renew your membership before annual conference we will have a table there and take your money (PROBABLY A WASTED EFFORT), but we'd rather be helping Jim Ollar dip Ice-cream.   Hope after reading this you can honestly say THE CHECK'S IN THE MAIL.

Hold Nov. 30 from 11 AM to 1 PM on your calendars. This year’s ESP satellite downlink will feature outstanding Extension programs from all over the United States that show unique delivery methods, use of new technologies, and partnerships that make educational programs successful.

Karla Spencer, ESP President was recently informed that Missouri’s "Water Quality in the Classroom" program is a Gold Medal Winner and will be highlighted in the videoconference.

Downlink sites identified to date include: Buchanan Co. Extension Center - NW Region, East Jackson Co. Extension Center - WC Region, Boone Co. Extension Center - Central Region & Campus, St. Charles Co. Extension Center - EC Region, Park Hills TCRC - EC & SE Regions and Cape Girardeau Co. Extension Center - SE Region. We anticipate other sites will be added, watch for follow-up e-mail messages. Committee members making arrangements and promoting attendance are: Nancy Flood, Linda Rellergert, Mike Milam, Rick Sparks, Jim Thompson, Jim Ollar & Tom Henderson, Byron Morrison, Ann Leinn Gibson, and Joan Hickman.

The Videoconference will include segments that show how Cooperative Extension exemplifies the Engaged Institution characteristics of responsiveness, respect for partners, academic neutrality, accessibility, integration, coordination, and resource partnerships. Missouri’s entry was one of 30 submissions. States that submitted entries are: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Utah and Virginia. Utah State University President George Emert and USU Extension Director Bob Gilliland will join Epsilon Sigma Phi President Laurel Kubin in the introduction to the program. Dr. Graham Spanier, President of The Pennsylvania State University, and Chair of the Kellogg Commission on the Future of State and Land-Grant Universities, will participate. The Videoconference is the first general session of the 2000 ESP National Conference.

Retirement is one of those emotionally powerful words. The word itself conjures up a picture in one’s mind. And, the picture differs from individual to individual. In some minds the picture is a stereotype of the person who leaves a professional position to sit on the porch and vegetate (although occasional porch sitting should not be underestimated!). This stereotype suggests that the retired person is not an active, contributing individual. Actually, retirement is just a new phase in one’s life…a phase that each person controls, designs, and directs.

Wisdom from retirees -- A summer survey of Life Members of ESP asked those responding to give advice to extension staff who may be considering this big decision in the next few years. The results are instructive, and they certainly don’t fit the stereotype of the noncontributing porch sitter. Advice from current retirees fell into these categories: making a decision to retire, setting goals for retirement, getting finances in order, focusing on enjoyment, being active and healthy, and contributing to the community.

Making the decision, setting goals -- "Be sure you are really ready to retire," admonished one retiree. He also suggested that working part time for Extension before "really retiring" is a good transition state. Others said, "Retire to something, not from something." This advice relates to taking control and actively designing this next phase in your life. "Think about what you love to do," said one person; another said: "Pursue your ‘I’ve always wanted to do things’ list." A recent retiree has benefited from setting concrete goals for retirement, indicating that this immediately directed her to looking forward, rather than backward. It also has helped her in making decisions about where best to spend her time and energy. "Do not become committed to too many organizational offices or committees; learn to say ‘no’ politely," advises one retiree. As your new life is designed, include the little things as well as the big things. And, plan things that keep you in contact with a cross section of the population. Another says: "Plan something special you want to do in the first six months after you retire." Final advice from a committed volunteer was: "Have a challenge each day, a meaningful effort."

Focusing on finances before retiring -- "Have your finances in order," warns one retiree. This includes fully understanding the implications of the retirement plan. For example, several survey respondents went into retirement on the Civil Service plan without knowing that they would be only getting about 70% of their monthly annuity for several months (can be up to six months), until the federal personnel office finalized their retirement application. It’s important to know under any retirement plan how long you will be without a retirement income or if there will be a period when you will be receiving only a partial payment. Then, in the few years before retirement you can lay plans for how your expenses will be met until the full annuity monthly payment begins.

Relax, travel, focus on family and friends -- There was a strong message from the veterans to give yourself permission to relax and to enjoy your family and friends at leisure. "Take a breather from your busy (retirement) schedule," admonishes one retiree. Another said: "Take time to smell the roses." And, they emphasized "hitting the road" or airplane! Comments included: "Enjoy each day to the fullest." "Travel someplace new once or twice a year." If you like to travel, the retirees say you should get to it. Some experienced family or health situations, which prevented traveling in retirement. Finally, there was emphasis on reaching out to make new friends.

Be healthy, active, and contribute to the community -- There was strong advice from survey respondents to stay active—socially, physically, and mentally. They clearly see this as a key to enjoyable and healthy retirement. "Being active" is seen by the veterans as the key to staying healthy and viable and to making a contribution, particularly to their community. One challenged: "Read in an area you do not know." In other words, become a student. One said: "Do all that you can to keep yourself healthy and feeling good." Others said, "Walk 30 minutes a day." "Get involved in a regular exercise program." Others stressed the importance of being active in projects related your hobbies or interests and in contributing to church, community, or other organizational group efforts. Contribute, volunteer--these were repeated words by many answering the survey. Contributing to other persons and to the community is seen by retirees not only a responsibility, but it is also a key to their own health and happiness. They said: "Develop ideas for how you may volunteer." "Contribute some of your time and talents to helping others." "Volunteer where you can make a difference in at least one person’s life." "Keep involved." As one retiree said: "If you smooth the road for someone else; it also gets less bumpy for yourself." Finally, one respondent suggested activism: "Keep up-to-date on issues affecting our nation and lend your influence and advice to government leaders."

A letter from Willard James--who received his agricultural degree in 1928 and served 37 years of his career in extension as a county extension agent, county director, and entomology specialist--describes a contributing life in retirement:

I am 95 years old and am coeditor of our local Senior Center newsletter. Since retirement in 1971 I have served on the Area Aging Board at Cape Girardeau for six years, one as its chairman. I delivered meals on wheels for six years, and I am currently on the local Senior Center Council. I have found volunteering very rewarding.

"Well, that’s the advice to you from those who have entered the retirement phase of their lives, the life phase where they are learning, contributing, and making a difference!"

Gene Olson is one of the few Missouri extension field workers who spent a lengthy career in only one county. When Gene joined Missouri Extension in 1950 he was assigned to Cass County to train under Horace "Buck" Hunt and Helen Morse, veteran county and home demonstration agents. His first assignment after training was as Balanced Farming agent. Hunt and Morse trained many future extension agents over a 30-year period from the 30s to the 60s. Gene said he benefited greatly from his training experience with the two veterans. "Helen taught me the value of organization and preparation, " Gene said. "She told me that when I held a meeting and people drove 30 to 40 miles round trip to attend they expected to have something to take home that they could use."

At the time of his appointment a farm family paid a modest fee to be a member of a Balanced Farming "ring". Gene’s ring consisted of 50 farm families that he worked closely with over a period of many years. "That experience was truly rewarding," he said. "I became a part of 50 families. It was one of the best jobs a person could have. I couldn’t have wished for a more rewarding work experience."

Gene grew up on a Lawrence County farm near Miller and was an active 4-H club member under the guidance of County Agent Ray Graham. As a 4-H-er he met fellow southwest Missourian Jack Rogers, state extension agent at the time. "If it hadn’t been for Ray and Jack and my experience in 4-H I would likely have never been aware as a youth of the University of Missouri," he said. "I graduated from high school in 1943 during the midst of World War II and was a member of the 4-H livestock judging team scheduled to judge in the state competition at MU. "Then, I received a draft notice to report immediately for military service. Ray appealed to the draft board to give me a 13-day extension so I could take part in the judging and which the board granted." Gene said. "Ironically, other Lawrence County draftees who reported at the time saw action during the invasion of Okinawa, one of the fiercest battles of World War II."

Not that Gene missed out on WWII action. He was assigned to a U.S. Army Airborne unit and served in the Philippines, Okinawa, and Japan. "My unit was the first to land in Japan before the surrender was signed on the battleship Missouri," Gene said. "Our plane landed in Japan at 7 a.m., Aug. 29, 1945. "That was an experience not to be forgotten."

After his military discharge in 1946 Gene completed a degree in animal science at MU in 1950 and immediately started work for extension where Jack Rogers was his state agent. Later, in 1965, he would complete a MS in extension education with Jack, who by that time had become chair of the MU department of extension education, as his adviser. Gail King and Larry Hale followed Jack as district administrator and Gene said all three had a positive impact on his extension experience. "Bonnie and I are still good friends of Gail and Gale King," he said. "We attended the 2000 meeting of the National Association of County Agricultural Agents in Jackson, Miss., with the Kings."

Gene retired from extension in 1983 with 35 years of service, counting his two years spent in the Army, toward Civil Service retirement. After a short stint working for a local bank, Gene was elected to represent Cass County as a member of the Missouri House of Representatives. He served eight years from 1986 to 1994. Gene continues to support Missouri Extension. Barb Froke, past president of Epsilon Sigma Phi, gladly accepted when Gene volunteered to be a member of the EPS retirement committee to keep members updated on state and federal legislation related to retiree issues. And as a member of NARFE—National Association of Retired Federal Employees—Gene is state legislative chair of that organization and works on long-term health care as well as exempt legislation. Gene’s experience as a legislator has been valuable in keeping us up to date on legislation to exempt all government retirees from paying state income tax on retirement benefits, Barb noted.

"We nearly succeeded this year in getting the state income tax exemption passed," Gene said. "It passed in the House and was approved by the Senate Ways and Means Committee and was on the calendar for final approval when the Legislature reached mandatory adjournment time. "But, we’ll be back next session to try and get a greater exemption passed than we now have," Gene declared.

Civic Service Retirement System (CSRS) and the newer Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) retirees will be glad to know that Congress has approved a "group long-term care" insurance program. This insurance program includes federal civilian workers and military personnel as well as annuitants. The bill, H.R. 4040 was sent to the White House where President Clinton is expected to sign it into law. This legislation will help many federal retirees receive long-term care, if they need it, without being sent to the "poor house". The federal civilian and military communities will be offered long-term care insurance with better premiums and coverage than they could buy on their own. This insurance will not be available until 18 months after the bill becomes law. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) will use this time to develop the program’s administrative structure, educate the federal community, and select, and negotiate with, insurance carriers. Because long-term care insurance cost’s increase rapidly as we get older, persons considering the purchase of such insurance might not want to wait for the availability of this government program.

Very little legislation passed in the Missouri General Assembly this year, that will affect Civil Service or University of Missouri retirees. The 1999 Missouri General Assembly did provide for a deduction from taxpayers Adjusted Gross Income, fifty percent (50%) of the premium paid for long-term care insurance. Supposedly there will be a line on page one of our Missouri State income tax form for this deduction. Taxpayers may want to check with their tax consultant before filing their year 2000 Missouri Income Tax Report.