I’ve been asked several times recently to make observations about people who have accomplished much in their lives or careers and who are moving on to other challenges. Promise interns, Extension cooperators, university graduates, faculty promoted and/or tenured, recipients of the Eagle rank in the Boy Scouts of America, to name some. In thinking about the traits of those who share in such honors, I’m struck by a few items.
First, accomplished individuals have a forward lean about them. What’s a forward lean? The term recognizes that someone has a defined direction. First characterized by the CIA in 1995, the concept identifies the value of being aggressive and taking risks. To me, the lean acknowledges a focus and commitment to forward progress: leaning toward a goal in the future.
What about “Living the Dash”? This is a phrase I first heard described in an OSU commencement address by Helen Diggs, when she identified the “dash” etched in a tombstone between a person’s birth and death years as the symbol that contains all of a person’s activities and contributions. I’ve since learned that the concept is actually a poem written by Linda Ellis and available on YouTube—check it out!
When I consider both items together, it’s easy for me to observe that most successful individuals I know have both—something towards which they are leaning and a commitment to accomplishment. Together, the lean and a healthy “dash” signify energy given to making a difference.
But what are the actual desired behaviors? Here is where another leader, Stephen Covey, enters the scene. In Covey’s signature work, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, he identifies deliberate traits of people who have track records of accomplishment. Here they are:
My fundamental point in this brief analysis is to illustrate and motivate readers to contemplate and identify their forward lean and help in creating a fulfilling “dash”. Perhaps you have identified some actions that can strengthen both. I invite any responses and additional suggestions that may be useful.
Scott Reed
Vice Provost Outreach and Engagement, Director Extension Service
Do you have a blog? Would you like to gain more traffic? Share it with us and we will post it on the Extension Blogs section of Extension ConnEXTion.
If you would like your blog featured on Extension ConnEXTion, please send an email to Jackie Russell with the URL of your blog.
OSU Extension Association Cooperator and 4-H Leader of the Year Awards presented at the OSUEA Recognition Banquet on May 2nd at the CH2M Hill Alumni Center in Corvallis.
OSU Extension Association has recognized Cooperators for more than 30 years. Each year individuals and businesses are recognized for the significant contributions they have made to Extension programs. It is through these cooperators that Extension is able to accomplish so much.
Carol Harris
In the beginning, Carol Harris had no horse experience. She started in the Polk County 4-H horse program over 20 years ago when her daughter wanted a horse and joined 4-H. Carol became a club parent and never missed a meeting! Now she is a leader, chair of the horse committee and fair superintendent. Her commitment to volunteering, working with kids and her organizational and people skills became very apparent early on. She puts the 4-Her and education above competition. Carol is involved beyond the county level as a member of the State Horse Development Committee. She supports local horse rescue programs and is a board member of Keizer Art Association. Carol’s husband, Keith, says, “I was really a naïve husband, I thought she would quit after our daughter graduated. I had to join in just so I could see my wife.”
Patti Jarrett
Patti Jarrett, best described as an Extension Volunteer “Extraordinaire”, became involved in Extension’s programs in Clackamas County when she retired and began to manage, with her husband Paul, their 60-acre farm, just south of Oregon City. She wanted to learn about growing her own food, preserving fruits and vegetables and managing the property. Patti has always been one to “take charge”, provide leadership, and “make things happen.” Patti trained as a Master Food Preserver in 2006 and still coordinates outreach activities for her volunteer partners. Patti’s most significant contribution to Extension is her leadership in the local Extension Advisory Council. As the chair, Patti challenged the council to find a new way to fund Extension locally. A two-year effort occurred, leading to the creation of the Extension and 4-H Service District -- with one of the largest county Extension budgets in the U.S.
Don & Debbie Lauer
After retiring, Don and Debbie Lauer joined the Master Gardeners in 2006 and became involved in many projects in the Benton County Master Gardener program. They focused on outreach to the public on sustainable gardening practices, furthering the mission of the program. Don recognized the need for a volunteer to organize plant clinics and increased the number of clinics at community events. He possesses the patience and skill to work with large groups of volunteers, and increased Master Gardener presence by reaching over 1000 people in the community. Debbie organized a mentor program and increased retention of new Master Gardeners. She worked with a team to make the plant clinic at the desk in the Extension office a positive experience. Don and Debbie have each donated over 2000 hours to the program. Their involvement as volunteers extends to other organizations, and they truly exemplify what it means to be a Master Gardener.
John Marcus
John is a Lakeview area rancher, and is an active member of the 4-H Leaders Association in Lake County, and has been working to reenergize the association. John’s dedication and contributions to Extension through 4-H programs is extensive. His volunteer activities include resurrecting and reorganizing the Big Sage Beef 4-H Club and collaborating with community partners to provide a welding club where 4-H members have gained lifelong skills. He has also facilitated the start of a free annual 4-H Supporters Breakfast, staffed and funded by 4-H clubs, as a thank you to previous supporters of 4-H/FFA. John also serves as a member of a local 4-H College Scholarship Committee. John is a strong leader and mentor of junior 4-H leaders, and many alumni of his clubs continue to be strong supporters and volunteers of the 4-H Development Program. One of John’s biggest supporters is his wife, Deborah, who shares in many of these endeavors.
Cyndi Mudge
Cyndi Mudge is Executive Director for Astoria Sunday Market, President Elect of Astoria Rotary, and a member of the Art & Cultural Committee for Astoria’s Downtown Historic District Association. She has worked for non-profit organizations for more than twenty years and in 2005 received the Oregon Governor’s Volunteer Award. Teen Workforce ’97, a job and skills fair she produced in Seattle, inspired The Young Entrepreneur Project, which was launched in partnership with Clatsop County 4-H Club. Cyndi continues her mission to provide young people with opportunities to develop strong work ethics, job skills, and passion to pursue career goals. The Youth Entrepreneur Project gives youth the opportunity to design, develop, and market a product and the opportunity to apply for a small grant. It has been very beneficial building confidence, communication, and perseverance among the youth who participate in the program. Cyndi has made success happen for youth and is committed to making a positive contribution to the community.
Patty Driscoll
Patty Driscoll has been an OSU Master Gardener volunteer since 1993, and a Master Food Preserver since 2006. She has been a training mentor, served as president and treasurer on the Lane County Master Gardener Association Board, as chair of the Oregon Master Gardener Association Board and received the Oregon Master Gardener of the Year Award. Patty teaches classes as part of the Pruning Specialist program and is chair for the Compost Specialist program. She has used her outstanding leadership skills with the Save Lane Extension Programs group, seeking stable funding to save Lane County Extension Service in its entirety. She worked tirelessly to bring volunteers together, pass out signs, and get the word out. When the election failed, Patty worked to reinstate the Master Food Preserver program. Because of volunteers like Patty, through creative fund raising and partnership building, Lane County Extension Services continue.
Bob and Barbara Grossmann
Since 1966, Bob and Barbara Grossman have been involved with OSU Extension in Yamhill County and statewide. After retiring, they both enrolled in the OSU Master Gardener Training. Soon Barbara took over the lead for the OSU Master Gardener Library, and created a cataloging and acquisition system. She continues to volunteer when she can on other projects. Bob brought his lifelong interest in Entomology to the Master Gardeners. He formed an Insect Committee which studies sample insects from clients and provides information to them. The committee has produced many educational displays, including the spinning wheel “Good Bug/Bad Bug” about beneficial insects, which was popular at the 2011 Oregon State Fair. He has taught the highly praised Advanced Insect Training as well as other insect-related classes at Gardener’s Mini-College. Bob writes a popular column, “Buggy Bits”, for the OSU program newsletter, Grapevine. Bob and Barbara Grossman have given willingly of their time and expertise for many years.
Verna O’Loughlin
Verna O’Loughlin has been involved with 4-H since she was a child and is currently the leader of the Thundering Hooves 4-H Club where she has volunteered for 14 years. She has had many major responsibilities during this time: County Fair 4-H Cloverbuds Superintendent, Coordinator for 4-H Master Showmanship competition, 4-H Horse Show Coordinator, 4-H Horse Superintendent, Northwest Region 4-H Apprentice Horse Judge, Yamhill County 4-H State Fair Horse chaperone, 4-H Leaders Association Board Member, 4-H Leaders Association President, and 4-H Advisory Council Member. As a 4-H leader, Verna shares her love of riding and ability to teach even the most novice rider. She sponsors county 4-H Horse Awards. Verna has received the 4-H Horse Leader of the Year, Clete Drader Outstanding Service Award, 4-H Distinguished Service Award, and the 4-H Outstanding Alumni Award. Verna has a “can do” spirit, puts kids first, and serves as a role model for other volunteers.
Alan Pazar
Alan Pazar is a commercial fisherman and small business owner who lives and works on the Oregon Coast. Al has been involved in OSU Extension programs for over 20 years. He took trainings and workshops, and used resources and publications that were available from Oregon Sea Grant at the Lincoln County Extension Office in Newport. Al’s involvement went from customer to collaborator and he has been involved in major Sea Grant Extension programs. Through the Extension program SAFE(Scientist and Fishermen Exchange), Al has engaged with researchers and has spearheaded many collaborative research efforts. At his suggestion, temperature sensors were attached to crab pots and a nationally recognized research program was started. Al is a partner in two other west coast collaborative research extension programs, the Port Liaison Project and the Collaborative Research on Oregon Ocean Salmon. Marine reserves and wave energy research have benefited from Al’s cooperative approach.
Michele Pryse
Michele Pryse represents the best of Extension innovation as she models how tradition can be enhanced and delivered in a more innovative and beckoning manner. She has integrated her Master Food Preserver and Master Gardener expertise into her own life, and the community’s life, since her first training in 1999. She led Jackson County’s Master Food Preserver/Family Food Education Volunteers organization to a statewide record of 62 certified master food preservers. Michele has been instrumental in developing a suite of fee-based Extension classes; she participates in the Extension Advisory Council and was named the first-ever, Extension-affiliated “Queen of the Jackson County Fair” in 2010. She appears on Scott’s Garden, a television gardening show. She is responsible for initiating a partnership with the Jackson County Historical Society to provide training using historical agriculture food preservation techniques. She is the kind of volunteer that personifies the future of Extension -- at its best.
Jon Souder
Jon Souder has had a long term interest in the environment, from his undergraduate days through his numerous career experiences working for the Federal Government, Peace Corps in Nepal, Army Corps of Engineers, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and as a professor of Forest Policy at Northern Arizona University. Jon joined the Coos Watershed Association in 2000 as executive director, and several Oregon Sea Grant Extension faculty have worked with him on projects including invasive species, watershed education programs for high school students, collaboration on funding requests and research projects. Jon’s scientific and organizational contributions have impacted individuals across Coos County and Oregon. His drive and energy have been instrumental in procuring needed funding for research and rehabilitation projects. His work as Executive Director of the Coos Watershed Association has been a model for watershed groups across Oregon. He continues to be a valuable partner for OSU Extension.
Bob’s Red Mill Natural Foods, Lori and David Sobelson
Bob’s Red Mill Natural Foods company’s emphasis on health and better living has led to a natural support of, and mutual partnership with, the OSU Extension Service. Based in Milwaukie, the company has had numerous interactions with the Clackamas County office since the 1980s. Bob’s Red Mill has been especially supportive of 4-H and nutrition programs. Annual donations to the 4-H program support educational workshops and County Fair awards. Bob’s Red Mill was named a Clackamas County Friend of 4-H in 2002. Bob’s has been a supporter of the nonprofit Clackamas County Friends of Extension, donating auction items and even hosting a fundraising event. Bob Moore, the company’s founder, has been recognized by OSU with a Weatherford Award, and as a major donor. The reputation of Bob’s Red Mill extends beyond the borders of Oregon: Extension publications and web sites nationwide list Bob’s Red Mill as a resource.
Lane Community College, James Lindly, Shirl Meads, Diane Pigg
A strong working partnership with Lane Community College is important for the survival of the Lane County OSU Extension Service Horticulture Program. Extension faculty and the Community College’s Small Business Development Center have developed a successful working relationship including joint educational efforts to mutually conserve resources and benefit students. With funding received through a grant, LCC and OSU work together to provide outreach and assistance for new and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. LCC started sponsoring OSU programs six years ago, offering classes and trainings through the Small Business Development Center. They have provided invaluable assistance to Extension training programs including grant funding, facilities, staff and technical support, and marketing. LCC has supplied political support to raise awareness, and facilitate understanding and communication around local funding for the OSU Extension service. Always community oriented LCC’s Small Business Development Center takes to heart public need, and the sound use of financial resources.
Strong Women Volunteers, Sue Rode, Jane Schlacht, Yolanda Gentile (Jackson County), Jackie Dwyer, Nancy Fenton and Kathy Szewc (Josephine County)
The Strong Women Volunteers offer one-hour classes at Extension sites in Jackson and Josephine counties to almost three hundred women (and a few men). These program leaders are committed to improving the strength, endurance, flexibility and balance of pre-menopausal women, and have been since 2003. These volunteers are independently in charge of all aspects of the training-- with faculty oversight. Enrollment focuses on older adult women with limited financial resources. Participants have generally never heard of Extension until they enrolled in the Strong Women sessions. These Strong Women actively participated in developing the physical fitness and exercise module for the web-based Mastery of Aging Well series, and participated in providing training in hospitals and clinic venues. Participants state they have experienced increases in self-confidence and verbalize a ‘greater ability to sleep well’ and “a reduction in the tendency to be depressed.”
Debbie Pratt, Benton County
Debbie Pratt is deeply committed to 4-H. She is humble and ‘behind the scenes,’ but knows that her 4-H volunteer work has a huge impact on young people and the overall program.
For 16 years, she has been an active member of the 4-H Leaders Council helping to establish budgets, coordinating fund-raising efforts, handling donations, managing scholarships, and distributing project funds. In addition to applying her skills so effectively as Benton County Association treasurer, she assists teens and volunteer leaders develop life skills in leadership, and master skills in the 4-H dog project.
She doesn’t just volunteer for the Benton County 4-H Program, she promotes 4-H at Hewlett-Packard where she works, and has donated funds to 4-H for many years.
The Oregon 4-H Leaders’ Association is proud to honor Debbie Pratt as an Oregon 4-H Leader of the Year.
Karen Rinehart, Wallowa County
“Karen Rinehart is a ‘super-volunteer’ in Wallowa County.” She has the energy to accept and complete major challenges that have a huge impact on the Wallowa County 4-H program. Karen lives her values through community service with 4-H members and through her own efforts. Examples include the County Jr. Leader Project, called “Ride for Life” where participants raise funds for cancer research when riding a horse for a 24-hour period. Karen also managed a $20,000 renovation project on the County Fairgrounds to benefit 4-H youth project learning. And Karen has impacted public health by coordinating a clinic to inform the community about why and how to vaccinate dogs against rabies.
Karen’s energy is contagious! The youth in the Wallowa 4-H program feel great about what they are learning because of her enthusiastic support. The Oregon 4-H Leaders’ Association is happy to honor Karen Rinehart as a valued 4-H volunteer and a 2012 Oregon 4-H Leader of the Year.
Margaret Santee, Clatsop County
“The Clatsop County 4-H Program is very lucky to have Margaret Santee as a 4-H leader.” Margaret teaches workshops for all 4-H members and volunteers in the county, takes photographs, coordinates judging events, and then becomes the ‘right hand’ of the OSU Extension 4-H staff.
Margaret is calm and professional. She stays one-step-ahead of challenges to help ensure quality 4-H programming in Clatsop County. Margaret is always a positive role model for youth and adults alike. The Oregon 4-H Leaders’ Association is pleased to join the Clatsop County 4-H Program in acknowledging Margaret Santee as a Oregon 4-H Leader of the Year.
ExtensionAdministration, in the Division of Outreach and Engagement, invites applications for a full-time, 12-month classified Administrative Program Assistant; posting #0008715. Application deadline has been extended to June 3, 2012.
For detailed information, requirements and posting specific questions, please see the posting at: OSU Jobs or direct link
jobs.oregonstate.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=60029 Position closes June 3, 2012.
We are proud to announce several of our OSUEA4-HA members who have been awarded NAE4-HA Western Regional Awards! Our award winners will be recognized at the Regional breakfast of the NAE4-HA conference in Orlando, FL in October 2012.
Due to reduced budgets the Hoecker Newer and Experienced Faculty Award funds have enabled faculty to continue providing quality programs throughout the state.
4-H Latino Outreach Team:
The Dale and Alice Hoecker family established the Extension Innovative Grant Program in 2001 to encourage and support Extension faculty in developing and delivering programs that address a high priority need for an Oregon target audience through creative and innovative approaches. Hoecker grant recipients are each awarded $3,000 for their proposed project.
Citizen Fire Academy:
Tillamook Young Entrepreneurs program:
Land Steward Mentoring Program:
Training Lay Health Advisors to Prevent Diabetes:
The Search for Excellence program recognizes and honors accomplishments in Extension Education through an OSUEA peer selection and review process.
Development of an Undergraduate Experimental Instruction Program in Extension: LinC (Learning in Communities)
Builds linkages between OSU undergraduate education and Extension. Over 132 students have learned about community education and the land-grant Extension mission across the state in a hand-on series of classes.
Land Steward Program
This multi-disciplinary program has taught Jackson County landowners how to better utilize and take care of their land. Learning leads to actions and finally volunteering on behalf of better land stewardship of private land.
The University Ombuds Office provides an informal, impartial, and confidential* means of conflict resolution to all members of the campus community. It is the goal of the Ombuds to foster a culture of healthy, safe and open dialogue, and encourage cooperative problem resolution. If you contact this office to address a specific conflict, the Ombuds will listen to your concerns, hear all perspectives, value diversity, assist you with exploring options for resolution, provide facilitation or mediation services when appropriate, and remain impartial to all parties involved.
Educating the university community is an important component of preventing conflicts from escalating, and can help enable university students and employees to effectively address adversity themselves. Training is available in alternative conflict management techniques, theory, and practice. The University Ombuds Office aims to create an environment which supports the early and effective management of conflict. The office is located in Waldo Hall, Room 113. For more information call 541-737-7028.
*Confidentiality cannot be promised in matters relating to serious crime, or if there is imminent risk of serious harm. Speaking with an Ombuds does not constitute legal notice to the University of any problem, concern or complaint. You must pursue alternative complaint avenues if you wish to obligate the University to respond in any way.
Register today to save your spot!
OSU, recognized nationally for its work in natural resources, is extending the expertise of its faculty this summer to professionals and graduate students in the field for a pair of weeklong leadership seminars.
Register for one week, or both, and choose from courses in the areas of conflict management, communication, sustainable natural resources and leadership.
For an inside look at a couple of the NRLA courses, watch these 1-minute videos featuring OSU faculty members Jonathan Velez and Sam Chan:
Class field trips to Oregon's diverse landscape are an integral part of fostering creative thinking and honing leadership qualities to address natural resources challenges. These day-long trips also offer an excellent opportunity for professional networking.
We would like to remind our county Extension faculty and staff of the Remote Staff Discount benefit and education opportunity for online Ecampus degrees and classes.
The Remote Staff Fee Remission program is designed to provide equivalent "Staff Fee Privilege" discounts to eligible OSU employees for up to 4 credit hours, per term, taken through OSU Extended Campus. Twenty-five fee remission packages, per term, will be granted on a first-come first-serve basis. The program is OSU specific and may not be used to access on-site or distance education programs at other OUS institutions.
The Remote Staff Fee Remission program will be evaluated at the end of the academic year, including assessment of the program’s scope and sustained funding for the program.
The application is available as a printable PDF document or by contacting OSU Extended Campus. Separate application forms must be submitted for each term of proposed study. The completed form, including required signatures, must be received no later than two days prior to the start of term. If the application form is received after the deadline, it may be accepted at the discretion of Extended Campus.However, you will be responsible for any accrued billings and interest charges.
Submission of the Remote Staff Discount application does not constitute course registration. You must register for your course(s) and, depending on your situation, you must apply for admission to OSU.
The objectives of this Association shall be to provide an organized forum for extension program and staff development professionals who are actively engaged in, or have a strong commitment to, program and staff development in the Cooperative Extension System to come together (both physically and virtually) to:
Per Bill Braunworth, meeting scheduled for Denver, December 10-12. No info currently available on the website,
Endorsed by the Western Extension Directors Association, the Mid-Managers Conference is targeted to those serving in management roles with Extension. The objective is to help enhance analytical and managerial skills for coordinating people, ideas and resources in support of dynamic Extension programs. Rumor has it that this conference will be linked to the NAEPSDP conference above. When more information is made available, it will be posted.
The 2012 National eXtension Conference will be held in Oklahoma City, September 30-October 5, 2012. Conference registration will open May 15 and scholarships are available for some who register!
For more information, visit the conference website.
Jim Leadon, former editor in EESC, passed away on March 10. Jim worked as an editor for the Oregon State University Extension Service from 1974 until his retirement in 1991. As an editor, he was a passionate advocate of plain language, with little tolerance of academic jargon. A funeral Mass was held on Friday, March 16, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Corvallis.
Esther Anderson, wife of retired Polk County Extension agent Nels Anderson, passed away on Tuesday, April 24th, in the arms of her husband Nels, at their home in Dallas, Oregon.
Family and friends celebrated her life on May 5th with a ceremony at the Restlawn Chapel in Salem. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to her favorite causes: Marion-Polk food Share, 1660 Salem Industrial Drive NE, Salem, OR 97301, or the Oregon 4-H Center, 5390 4-H Road NW, Salem, OR 97304.
For Esther’s complete obituary, please see The Oregonian,
April 29, 2012.
Provided by: UABC-HR