Epsilon
Sigma Phi Newsletter2006 Calendar of Events and Opportunities
President’s Message - Keep the Change
Need Money for Association or Professional Meetings?
Epsilon Sigma Phi Award Applications Due Soon
Epsilon Sigma Phi 2006 - 2007 Election
Epsilon Sigma Phi 2006-2007 Election Ballot
2006 Calendar of Events and Opportunities
Friday, September 15 Hugh Keith Memorial Extension Picnic,
Golf, Bike and Walk OutingOctober 10 ESP meeting 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
November 14-17 ESP National Meeting - Annapolis, MD
Prior to Galaxy Conference, WindermereRetirees Spring Meetings
October 4 - Gallatin
October 12 - Lamar
October 12 - Springfield
October 18 - Columbia
October 20 - Sedalia
October 26 - Jackson
Keep the Change
by Nancy Flood,
President
Tagged as “change agents” sometimes we, as Extension specialists and retirees, are the most reluctant to change. We may long for “the good old days.” But change is happening folks, and fearful as we often are to accept it, change brings improvements.
Missouri Extension has been experiencing a lot of change --- a new planning and reporting system, new county program plans, anticipated new leadership, and continuing new opportunities to meet the needs of the citizens of Missouri. How are you adapting to the change? Dragging your feet and complaining? Or looking at the opportunities that lie ahead?
As Alpha Tau chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi prepares to celebrate our 75th anniversary, I encourage you to carry the banner of “change agent”, the role that, over the years, has created University of Missouri Extension’s success with the citizens of Missouri.
Take time to recognize a colleague. ESP awards applications provide opportunity for state and national recognition. Every time I attend a national meeting where people from other states are being recognized, I think of someone in Missouri who is as deserving. Let’s put Missouri on the Extension map and tell everyone about the great work we’re doing here.
Take time to renew yourself. We all need to refuel, both personally and professionally. On the professional side, the national ESP conference scheduled for Annapolis, MD in November looks like a great opportunity to meet with colleagues from around the country, recharge and adapt to the change we’re all experiencing. The pre-conference workshop, “Creating a Thriving Extension Organization through Multi-Generational Recruiting and Retention,” promises to help strengthen our Extension team. Take a look at it: http://www.espnational.org/2006NationalMeeting/index.htm
Take time to participate. ESP will be facilitating an Extension futuring session prior to the Galaxy Conference in October. The outcome will be thoughts to share with our new director about the future of University of Missouri Extension. Find out who will represent your organization at this event and share your thoughts. It’s a great opportunity!
Need Money for
Association or Professional Meetings?
by Lisa
Wallace, Loan and Fellowship Chair
Are you planning to attend a professional association meeting? If so, consider applying for Loan and Fellowship money. The application is at the Epsilon Sigma Phi website or at http://outreach.missouri.edu/staff/awards/fellowship.html. For those of you attending upcoming national association meetings, this fund can also be a resource to you.
Heading back to class this Fall? Loan and Fellowship can also be a source of funds for college coursework expenses.
Ready to Apply? Applicants must have two years of consecutive employment for UM or LU. The total amount individuals may receive is $1,500 during their tenure. Processing can take up to two months, so don’t wait to apply.
Only e-mail applications will be accepted. After completing the application, individuals must send it to their supervisor, who will forward it to the committee. Supervisors: Send applications via e-mail to Patricia Snodgrass, chair, Fellowship and Awards Committee, snodgrassp@missouri.edu.
Applications are reviewed monthly. To be considered in a given month, applications must be received by the first. Nominations will be reviewed by the Fellowship and Awards Committee appointed by the executive vice president and director of cooperative extension. The committee — comprised of representatives of UMEA, Epsilon Sigma Phi, the UM campuses, Lincoln University and the executive vice president's Office — will make recommendations to the executive vice president, who will make the final selection.
Contact me at 660-885-5556 or e-mail at wallacel@missouri.edu if you have questions.
Spread the Word
by Sandra
McKinnon, Membership Chair
Our members are dedicated to Extension. Their work shows in the lives they touch every day. And ESP is truly dedicated to the extension professional. In these times of tight budgets and uncertain directions, it is good to know that an organization, such as ESP, recognizes and invests in professionals.
We've got a good thing going on and we need to spread the word about it. It is recruitment time and all current members should play a role in tapping eligible members. Visit the ESP chapter web site for the current brochure - http://extension.missouri.edu/esp. Print a few off to have on hand. When you approach a colleague about joining ESP and they say, "what's in it for me?" you'll have an answer.
Your colleagues will soon realize that there are opportunities for recognition, through numerous awards, and monetary assistance, through scholarships and grants.
They'll soon realize too that beyond the recognition and dollars available, ESP represents seventy-five years of uniting members, building support for the Extension system, and fostering the spirit of fellowship. Members can increase their professional value by participating in leadership workshops and conferences. Potential members will expand their network of colleagues, learn from sharing experiences and expertise, and discover new resources.
So, spread the word today. Invite a colleague near you to join the Alpha Tau chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi.
For
Life Members
by Jim
Ollar, Life Members Committee Chair
Whew, hot and dry then even hotter, another interesting summer. Trust all are ready for autumn’s colors and cool evenings. Time to clean the garden spot and summer flower beds and to prepare the RV for fall and winter travel.
Speaking of travel, does not yet seem that fuel prices have dramatically changed our travel plans. Likely we may be planning everyday errands a bit more and doing some shopping for others in the neighborhood but significant trips to visit family and/or recreate just must proceed. Fuel cost is nearing the point where special airfares now may, in fact, compete favorably with the cost of using a personal vehicle (especially if you do not need personal transportation at your destination).
Fall gatherings of Extension retirees have been scheduled as noted below. You will receive a letter noting the specific time and place of the meeting in your vicinity. Consider placing this date on your calendar, responding when invited and joining in for the fun. John Parker is working with meeting coordinators to provide interesting programs.
ESP is hosting a day of outdoor activities open to all, active staff and retirees, Friday, September 15 in Columbia. Activities include the annual Hugh Keith Memorial Golf Outing and running, walking or biking events followed by a picnic. Additional information and registration form is included with this newsletter. Note you may register to participate in just the picnic.
No doubt all are concerned about goings on in the Middle East. We have so many military and other folks at risk that we must find ways to finish what has been started and allow families to regroup in safe surroundings. Difficult to espouse peace at any cost but certainly lasting peace is what we must pursue.
The media now fills with electioneering. What would become of printers, newspapers, radio and television without the periodic influx of political campaign dollars? Regardless, let’s all exercise our precious right to vote (and to legitimize our subsequent second-guessing and occasional complaints).
Stay in touch, keep moving, plant something and help someone, this week. Next week do it all again.
Epsilon Sigma Phi Award
Applications Due Soon
by Marsha G.
Alexander, Awards Committee Chair
Award applications are currently being accepted for the Missouri Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi. Providing recognition for a job well done is a wonderful way to reward deserving colleagues as well as yourself. Epsilon Sigma Phi provides many different award opportunities. Receiving award recognition is possible only if ESP members take the time to participate in the award process. Award applications are available on line at our state association website. Applications are due September 11, 2006.
For most of the awards Epsilon Sigma Phi membership is required. However, there are some exceptions such as the Friend of Extension Award, Visionary Leadership Award, and State Meritorious Support Service Award. Awards that do require Epsilon Sigma Phi membership are Distinguished Service Award, Mid-Career Service Award, State Early Career Service Award, and State Retiree Service Award. There is also a Team Award opportunity through ESP that requires membership of one or more team members.
Members of the 2006 Missouri Epsilon Sigma Phi Awards Committee are: Tom Keohan, Pat Snodgrass, Joe Koenen, Beverly Maltsberger, and Chairperson Marsha Alexander. Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact a committee member. To learn more about the individual and team awards and to access the current nomination forms visit our website at http://extension.missouri.edu/esp/
Epsilon Sigma Phi is dedicated to fostering standards of excellence in the Extension System and developing the Extension profession and professional. Giving recognition through Epsilon Sigma Phi awards to deserving professionals is an important way to promote standards of excellence in Extension. Plan to be part of this year’s award process.
Epsilon Sigma Phi 2006 - 2007
Election
by Jo Turner and
Karla Deaver, Nominating Committee
We are pleased to present an outstanding slate of candidates for the Alpha Tau chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi for the 2006-07 year. Our bylaws call for election of president-elect, secretary and annalist in even years and president-elect and treasurer in odd years. They also stipulate that the office of president-elect alternates between field and campus positions. Below is a brief description of each office and an introduction to the candidates who have agreed to be nominated.
With this newsletter, you will find a ballot for the 2006-2007 elections. Please return your ballot by October 1, 2006. The election results will be posted on our website and installation of officers will be conducted at the 2006 Galaxy Conference, October 10-11.
President-Elect (One-year term): The president-elect shall serve as a member of the Recognition and Awards Committee and assume duties and responsibilities assigned to the office by the president. After completing a term as president-elect, the president-elect shall automatically serve as the next president. The president-elect is responsible for publishing and distributing the newsletter.
Secretary
(two-year term): The secretary
shall keep the minutes of the meetings and the record of all official business;
shall furnish each newly initiated member a copy of the creed, a copy of the
by-laws, and a membership card; and shall work with the annalist to maintain
historical records.
·
Rhonda Gibler
– Assistant Vice Provost for Extension.
Rhonda has been with Extension for nearly ten years, serving as Assistant
Director for Administrative Management, Director of Administrative Management,
and Assistant Vice Provost for Management. She was a member of the MELD II
class and has completed all levels of Community Development Academies. She
holds a BS in Math and Econ, an MA in Econ and a PhD in Consumer and Family
Economics.
· Karen Funkenbusch – Program Director, Missouri AgrAbility Project
Annalist
(two-year term): The annalist
shall gather, organize and maintain the historical records of the chapter such
as minutes of the annual meeting, board minutes, list of officers, annual
meeting programs, list of award recipients, etc.; and shall be responsible for
maintaining the Alpha Tau Chapter website.
|
The location of our
national office / contact is: |
Epsilon Sigma Phi - Alpha Tau Chapter
2005-2006 Board Members
| Officers | |
| Nancy Flood | President |
| Mark Stillwell | President-Elect |
| Jo Turner | Past President |
| Cathy Allen | Secretary |
| Bob Schultheis | Treasurer |
| Van Ayers | Annalist |
| Committee Chairs | |
| Sandra McKinnon | Membership |
| Marsha Alexander | Awards |
| Rhonda Gibler | Professional Improvement |
| Lisa Wallace | Loan and Fellowship |
| Wilma Jean Lower | Courtesy / Memorials |
| Jim Ollar | Retirement / Life Members |
| Jo Turner | Nominations |
| Rex Ricketts & Karla Deaver | ESP 75th Anniversary |
For Newsletter Items or
Information Contact:
Mark Stillwell
Phone: 573-882-2695
E-mail: stillwellm@missouri.edu
Vote on Election of Officers
(Place an “X” on the line in front of each person’s name you want to select. You may type or write in another nominee’s name on the write-in candidate line.)
More information about the proposed slate of officers can be found above.
President- Elect ______
Beverly Maltsberger
________________________________(Write-in candidate)
Secretary
______ Karen Funkenbusch
______ Rhonda Gibler
________________________________(Write-in candidate)
Annalist _____ Janet Lafon
________________________________(Write-in candidate)
The nominees selected above will be joining the following officers already in place for the 2006-2007 year.
President: Mark Stillwell
Immediate Past President: Nancy Flood
Treasurer: Bob Schultheis
Please return your completed ballot to Jo Turner by October 1, 2006 to:
Jo Turner
Epsilon Sigma Phi Past-President
108A Whitten Hall
Columbia, MO 65211
Results of the ballot will be announced to the membership and posted to the website at http://extension.missouri.edu/esp during the week of October 9, 2006.