Extension Connections with Dean Hannah Carter

Hannah Carter
Dean Hannah Carter

On the first Monday of every month, Dean Hannah Carter hosts a statewide conversation via Zoom video conferencing for faculty and staff to share information, introduce people or ideas to the organization, and keep folks up-to-date on University or state initiatives, and answer questions about the organization. These conversations are recorded and available here if you cannot participate during the time and date scheduled. If you have a topic or someone that you would like to hear from for a future Extension Connection, please contact Dean Carter, hcarter@maine.edu.

View the Extension Connections Playlist on YouTube

December 2, 2024

November 4, 2024

October 15, 2024

September 3, 2024

August 7, 2024

July 1, 2024

June 11, 2024

April 1, 2024

March 4, 2024

February 5, 2024

January 2, 2024

Dean Hannah Carter shares monthly updates with Extension staff, including good news, FYIs and reflections.

December 5, 2023

Dean Hannah Carter shares updates and reflections on November, and praises the Conference Planning Committee for organizing a successful conference. She also shares guiding principles for our organization: creating an equitable, sustainable, purposeful and enjoyable place to work.

November 6, 2023

Dean Hannah Carter shares monthly updates with Extension staff, including good news, FYIs and reflections.

October 18, 2023

Dean Hannah Carter and Associate Dean Jason Bolton share an overview of proposed organizational structure changes.

October 2, 2023

Dean Hannah Carter shares monthly updates with Extension staff, including good news, FYIs and reflections. She also announced a special organizational Zoom discussion scheduled for October 18, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

September 11, 2023

Dean Hannah Carter shares monthly updates with Extension staff, including good news, a welcome to new staff, FYIs, and an update on organizational changes post-Fran’s retirement. She also shares information about the FY25 budget building process (and accelerated timeline). Additionally, Associate Dean Jason Bolton shares updates on the ongoing Needs Assessment and reminders on upcoming changes to funding requests, reporting and organizational structure.

August 7, 2023

Dean Hannah Carter shares monthly updates with Extension staff, including good news, a welcome to new staff, FYIs, and updates on the new employee orientation on August 23 and All Organization Conference on November 8–9, 2023. In addition, Associate Dean Jason Bolton shares updates on the ongoing Needs Assessment and upcoming changes to funding requests, reporting and our organizational structure.

July 11, 2023

Dean Hannah Carter shares monthly updates with Extension staff, including good news, a welcome to new staff, FYIs, and updates on the FY24 budget and All Organization Conference on November 7–8, 2023. In addition, Associate Dean Jason Bolton shares updates on changes to Plugged In and the upcoming Needs Assessment being conducted through this summer and into fall.

June 13, 2023

Dean Hannah Carter shares monthly updates with Extension staff, including a welcome to new staff, FYIs, and updates on our Extension Needs Assessment, Community First Responder Program and All Organization Meeting on November 7–8, 2023.

May 1, 2023

Dean Hannah Carter shares monthly updates with Extension staff, including reflections on her four year anniversary, an update from Associate Dean Jason Bolton, news from the Communications and Marketing Team, follow up from our Civil Rights Review, a discussion around conflict management and an FY24 budget update.

April 3, 2023

Dean Hannah Carter shares monthly updates with Extension staff, including new employees, faculty promotions, Hall of Flags, Salesforce, new credit cards for travel and purchasing, and a FY24 budget update.

March 6, 2023

Dean Hannah Carter shares with staff the Good News of several new hires; several FYIs including upcoming first aid/CPR classes, Civil Rights Review interviews, the UMS Strategic Plan and organizational “check ins;” a review of the organizational chart; the new Community First Responder Program; and an update about her trip to Kansas City for the Joint Council of Extension Professionals (JCEP) conference.

January 3, 2023

Dean Hannah Carter reflects on 2022, shares with staff the Good News of new hires and a new Associate Dean); several FYIs; heartily greets 2023 with a “Hello January!”; sprinkles in a few inspirational quotes; and discusses Goals for 2023.

December 5, 2022

In this month’s Connections, Dean Carter shared Good News of Kate Yerxa being honored with the 2022 National Excellence in Extension award and the hiring of Whitney Yorston as the new Extension CRM Professional; provided FYIs to staff regarding the Civil Rights Review, MPRS deadline of December 10 and Holiday Days off for University Staff as well as reminding staff of the opportunity of the Alfond Professional Development Grant; and pondered how quickly the month of December flew by.

This half of the session closed with time for Q&A from Extension staff members The awarding of the 2nd Annual UMEES Awards during our Holiday Zoom Session, hosted by Lynne Holland, took place during the second half of this month’s Extension Connections update.

Also during this half of the session, holiday fun and competition were had by all who joined in to celebrate with colleagues.

November 14, 2022

In this session of the November 2022 Extension Connection, Dean Carter shares with staff a reminder about the Virtual Holiday Cards that are available for staff to use this upcoming holiday season; gave an update regarding the collecting of personal care items for the Black Bear Exchange; shared details of the Finding Funding Challenge; announced that there will be no Extension Lunch and Learn session scheduled for November (however there is one planned for December 16); and provided a list of upcoming festivities for December.

December will bring nominations (due November 18) for, and the awarding of, the 2nd Annual UMEES Awards during our Holiday Zoom Session set for December 5 from 3:30-5:30 p.m.

It was also announced that December 10 is the deadline for MPRS Reporting, Monica Palmer will be holding offices hours to consult on Salesforce matters, and another Book Discussion group within Extension is being formed, get in touch with Alisha Targonski, Mitch Mason or Lisa Phelps for more information.

This session closed with time for Q&A where a few questions came up regarding civil rights and the upcoming review of Extension.

October 3, 2022

In this session of the October 2022 Extension Connection, Dean Carter shares with staff highlights of recent county office visits, the latest good news, and FYIs, bids September farewell and greets October and all of its fall activities.

Updates were given on the upcoming UMaine Extension All Organizational Committee in November and the work of the conference’s planning committee.

Recent retirees’ years of service to Extension were recognized as well as several staff anniversaries/honors of note and new staff members were welcomed aboard.

This session closed with time for Q&A.

September 13, 2022

In this brief session of the September 2022 Extension Connection, Dean Carter shares the latest good news, FYIs, congratulations, and bids August farewell and enthusiastically greets September despite the warm, humid temperature of the past few days. Also, Hannah took a few moments to reflect upon the passing of Queen Elizabeth II… the impact and influence of her life, leadership and service.

Updates were given on the upcoming UMaine Extension All Organizational Committee in November and the work of the conference’s planning committee; several new staff members were welcomed to Extension; all staff members were encouraged, again, to apply to be part of the UMaine Extension IDI team; the future of Libby Hall on the Orono campus was discussed; and finally Hannah also encouraged staff members to take days off, take a break and “unplug.” This session closed with time for Q&A.

August 1, 2022

In the August 2022 Extension Connection, Dean Carter shares the latest good news, FYIs, congratulations, and the real meaning of August; updates on achievement awards, congressionally directed spending, the DLL, and reflections on 30 years of the dean’s former Extension program; a presentation from Lisa Fishman and Cathy Gray about the Extension Homemakers program, current highlights and expanding its reach for future audiences; and closing thoughts on the lasting impact of mentors in our lives. This session closes with time for Q&A.

There was no recording of the July 5, 2022 session of Extension Connection with Dean Hannah Carter.

Questions about the July 5, 2022 session? Please contact Hannah at hcarter@maine.edu

June 13, 2022

In the June 2022 Extension Connection, Dean Carter shares good news from the past month, including recent award winners, and some staff updates — including our new Webmaster — along with other organizational updates (DLL transition, Nov. 2022 all-org meeting, planned summer dean visits, unplanned county office closings, and more).

Lindsay Decker, science reference librarian, and John Hutchinson, business reference librarian, joined to discuss some of the ways UMaine’s Fogler Library can work with Extension on research consultations, collection development, and more.

May 2, 2022

In the May 2022 Extension Connection, Dean Carter shares some celebrations, updates — including the latest on Salesforce — and FYIs, and some thoughts from the past three years on the anniversary of her appointment. Updates also on the budget, the Roadmap steering committee, DEI work within Extension, the partnership proposal between Extension and DLL; and the call for staff to submit pet photos for an in-house calendar closes May 13, 2022.

Monica Palmer, Extension CRM systems professional, gives an overview of her role, the role of and transition to Salesforce, and a brief look at current projects/program areas using Salesforce. This session closes with time for Q&A.

April 26, 2022, 1:30-2:00 p.m.

Special Session: UMaine Extension “Pop Up” Zoom and Q&A, Dean Hannah Carter and Provost John Volin
Upcoming Changes Within Extension and Online and Continuing Education (formerly DLL)

Questions? Contact Dean Hannah Carter at hcarter@maine.edu.

April 4, 2022

In the April 2022 Extension Connection, Dean Carter shares the latest good news and FYIs, updates on COVID, a brief review of March, and looks ahead to April. Guest Kody Varahramyan, VP for Research and Dean of the Graduate School, discusses the significance of the R1 designation, talks about related items of interest, and answers questions.

March 7, 2022

In the March 2022 Extension Connection, Dean Carter shares the latest good news and FYIs; updates on the budget, from the Roadmap steering committee, and on the leadership transition process; a warm welcome to Melissa Arndt; brief review of February and a look ahead to March; and some thoughts on our current environment, locally and globally. This session closes with time for Q&A.

January 3, 2022

In the first Extension Connection of a new year, Dean Carter shares recent wins for Extension and relevant updates; a recap of December 2021 and a look at what’s ahead for January 2022; Extension goals for the coming year; and some thoughts going into the new year, Guest and featured speaker Sam Warren, UMS Director of Government and Community Relations, talks about her role and the impact of Extension’s engagement with our communities and local, state and federal partners.

December 7, 2021

For the final Extension Connection of 2021, Dean Carter takes a look back at November and what’s ahead in December; highlights newly-designed virtual holiday cards; notes YouTube metrics shared by UMaine show the top ten videos viewed are Extension’s; acknowledgment of a particularly meaningful way to give back; congratulations to new employees, milestones reached, and promotions; the inaugural UMEE awards; the perennial COVID updates; saying farewell to Michele L and this year’s virtual holiday gathering; upcoming changes including restructuring of the ELT; and remembering to celebrate and recognize the joy in life.

November 1, 2021

In this session of Extension Connection, Dean Carter shares plenty of good news and some sad farewells to retiring staff; the latest COVID news; introduces Melissa Price, UMaine Foundation philanthropy officer supporting UMaine Extension; reminders and FYI’s on program checklists and travel; an October recap and a look at November; several Extension highlights; and some fun news to look forward to.

October 4, 2021

For the October 2021 Extension Connection, the recording, unfortunately, did not capture audio. We do, however, have a video with the slides from Dean Carter’s presentation that include a September recap and look ahead to October, an overview of recent grants awarded and a welcome to two new Extension staff, and a snapshot comparison of our media outreach and impact during the pandemic. Finally, a fond farewell to Ron Fournier as he steps off on a new adventure.

For more information on any of this content, contact Angela Hart, angela.hart@maine.edu; 207.581.2811.

View October’s Extension Connection with Dean Hannah Carter PowerPoint presentation:

September 7, 2021

In this session of Extension Connection, Dean Carter welcomes four new employees to UMaine Extension: Mary Proulx, Karen Giles, Mackensie Schofield, and Sean Birkel; welcomes Dr. Diane Rowland, Dean of Natural Sciences, Forestry and Agriculture (NSFA), to UMaine; reviews COVID updates; Richard J. Brzozowski, Food System Program Administrator, UMaine Extension, presents information on the Maine AgrAbility Ambassadors; Hannah gives an overview of recent media statistics provided by UMaine Extension Communications and Marketing Team; recaps August events and looks ahead to September events and happenings including the Extension Lunch and Learn Session on Friday, September 17, 11:30 a.m. which will feature Mari Glatter, Instructional Designer, UMaine Extension.

September’s Extension Connection guest is Dr. Diane Rowland, Dean of Natural Sciences, Forestry and Agriculture (NSFA), previously a Chair of the Department of Agronomy at the University of Florida, is a Researcher in Crop Physiology and is happily returning “home” to Maine.

View September’s Extension Connection with Dean Hannah Carter PowerPoint presentation:

August 2, 2021

In this session of Extension Connection, Dean Carter reflects upon what August means to her: the Northern Maine Fair, Aroostook County potato harvest, getting ready for back-to-school, and preparing for fall and winter; congratulates a work anniversary and three recent retirees, thanking all for their contribution to Extension; welcomes new employees to UMaine Extension; reviews remote work guidelines and decision tree (University of Maine System Remote Work Guidelines page); provides up-to-the-moment Covid updates: UMS/UMaine state guidelines, mask mandates, vaccination requirement, building/conference room use, and testing; covers Cluster Hire proposals and answers “What is a Cluster Hire?”; provides highlights from July and announces upcoming August happenings including Lunch and Learn, August 20, 11:30 a.m.

August’s Extension Connection guest Tracey Ferwerda, Publications Manager, UMaine Extension Communications and Marketing Team, discusses the recent transition of UMaine Extension Publications to a new publication catalog website, how to navigate the site, and what can be found in the new University of Maine Cooperative Extension online store.

View August’s Extension Connection with Dean Hannah Carter PowerPoint presentation:

July 5, 2021

In the July 2021 Extension Connections, Dean Carter shares congratulations and celebrations for several of our colleagues who have new arrivals or are soon retiring; a recap of June events and activities; Covid updates to guidelines, updates of Covid website messaging; Steering Committee’s first meeting review and website; July and beyond; and what exactly is this thing called “Salesforce”?

View July’s Extension Connection with Dean Hannah Carter PowerPoint presentation:

June 7, 2021

In the June 2021 Extension Connections, Dean Carter shares congratulations and celebrations for several of our colleagues; COVID-19 updates; internal interest form for Extension’s Research Learning Experience fall class; update on our roadmap steering committee, with 12 volunteers serving; review of May and a look ahead to June; and a presentation by two members of our communications and marketing team on the essential shared responsibility of doing all we can to ensure our web and social media sites are accessible to all.

As a follow-up to Hannah’s portion of Extension Connections, here are some of the  items referenced:

  1. Checklists for UMaine Extension Programs: Restarting Educational Programs in Person page
  2. Research Learning Experience Interest Form
  3. Guidelines for Seeking Center of Excellence Status in USDA Proposals Template 3.12.21
  4. ADA Compliance Checklist for Web Pages
  5. Flier Templates
  6. Social Media Guidelines and Best Practices, Accessibility section

As a follow-up to Cindy Eves-Thomas and Lynne Holland’s segment on Accessibility, pages referenced:

  1. ADA Compliance Checklist for Web Pages
  2. 12 best practices for UMaine Extension web managers
  3. Social Media Guidelines and Best Practices, Accessibility section
  4. Accessibility (UMaine Division of Marketing and Communications)
  5. Making Social Media Accessible (NYU, Social Media)
  6. Demonstration of JAWS screen reader (YouTube) (Penn State TLT)

One note: viewers will notice a blip at about 19:21 when the recording shifts between two separate files, otherwise known as navigating momentary technical difficulties.

May 3, 2021

For the May 2021 Extension Connection, Dean Carter takes a look back at the changes over the past year two years — particularly 2020 — and celebrates her second anniversary as our Dean; reviews April highlights and looks ahead to what May holds (including another trip around the sun); puts out a call for volunteers to serve on the Roadmap Steering Committee; shared significant UMS Covid-19 updates and made time for Q&A.

April 5, 2021

In this month’s Connections, Dean Carter acknowledges March was a long and full month, with the successful all-organization conference and work of the roadmap committees definite highlights; announces the creation of the new Joyce Weaver Citizenship Washington Focus Scholarship fund on behalf of Waldo County youth; shares positive news on the FY22 budget and new positions that will go forward, a new monthly series for Extension staff and potential collaborators to share what they’re doing, a new PLT, our new internship program, and a new professional development opportunity.

Looking ahead to April, we expect updated COVID-19 guidelines for travel and summer programming soon; a continued focus on ongoing DEI work by UMS and universities; continued work on the structure of the ELT and the Business Dean search; and a new UM-UMM task force. This session closes with time for questions and a reminder to find ways to add more fun.

March 1, 2021

In this month’s Connection, Dean Carter reviews February — “for the shortest month, it was a LOT” — acknowledges the anniversary of the sea change brought about by the pandemic’s arrival, one that continues, and reminds us to continue with patience and self-care; and takes a look at March, with a bright spot in mid-March from the upcoming all-organization virtual meeting March 16-18.

February 9, 2021

For the February 2021 Extension Connection, Dean Carter takes a brief look back at January – a very busy month locally and nationally – and gives a quick update on current COVID testing protocols both on- and off-campus. Dean Carter spends the majority of this session reviewing the recent Extension budget hearing, sharing data from her presentation, the strong case she made for ‘the centrality of Extension’ and how we can build on our solid presence.

January 4, 2021

In this first session of Extension Connection in 2021, Dean Carter reviews the wins from December 2020 – and there were many; reminds us as we begin a new year to maintain focus on well-being, flexibility, and buckets of grace; Covid-19 updates; an overview of January, including an Extension internship committee and four faculty positions (1 current position, 3 new) that are either funded or contingent on funding, all collaborations with other UMaine units; and a look at some broader goals and focus areas.

December 7, 2020

In this last session of Extension Connection for 2020, Dean Carter is joined by special guests President Ferrini-Mundy and Provost Volin who share their perspectives of the past nine months and answer questions. Also joining was Aroostook 4-H professional Mari Glatter, who shared a presentation about her new temporary role of Instructional Designer for Extension. She’ll be joining the Extension Communications and Marketing Team during her six-month position.

November 20, 2020: University of Maine Cooperative Extension Town Hall with Dean Hannah Carter

In this UMaine Extension Town Hall, Dean Carter reviews results from the recent return-to-work survey; discusses UMaine COVID-19 protocols, how Extension specifically responds and is impacted in light of increasing cases; reminds us all about self-care, the importance of keeping ourselves and each other safe; and opens the floor for questions, primarily focused on practicing COVID-19 safety and clear communication with colleagues before, during, and after the Thanksgiving holiday.

November 9, 2020

Hannah opened the November 9 session of Extension Connection mentioning her awe and wonder at the unseasonably mild weather and temperatures after having snow, strong winds, and a power outage the week before; commented, briefly, on Election Day (week) results and impact; and extended a warm welcome to four new UMaine Extension employees.

Other topics of discussion:

  • COVID Updates
  • Reminders and Follow-ups
  • Survey
  • DEI work
  • Recap of October
  • November
  • The Future

October 5, 2020

It’s National 4-H Week and Hannah began the October 5 session of Extension Connection with a shout-out to 4-H and UMaine Extension’s amazing 4-H staff! In 2019, over 16,000 youth participated in the Maine 4-H program and over 1,500 volunteers provided positive learning experiences.

Other topics of discussion:

September 14, 2020

The special guest at the September 14 session of Extension Connection: Lieutenant Bob Norman, University of Maine Police Department, who joined us to discuss Phase III COVID-19 Testing.

Hannah continued, after her guest’s departure, with announcements of upcoming events:

  • Town Hall with the Vice President for Research: Join us for a virtual, live Research Q&A event on Monday, September 21, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. It is highly recommended that you review our informational videos and submit your questions ahead of the Q&A session on our website.
  • Book Discussion: “How to Be an Antiracist” is a 2019 non-fiction book by American author and historian Ibram X. Kendi. Please complete and submit the form, “How to Be Antiracist” Book Discussion Meeting Time Preferences on the “How to Be Antiracist” Book Discussion page to register for one of the cohort discussions.

Other Topics of Discussion:

  • UMS Policy on Participating in Political Campaigns and Restrictions on Partisan Political Activity
  • University of Maine COVID-19 Updates
  • Organizational Survey

August 3, 2020

In this session of Extension Connection, Dean Carter welcomed a special guest, our new Provost, John Volin, who joined the discussion for 10 minutes to introduce himself and answer a few questions.

The rest of the session was devoted to discussion of re-opening and re-starting:

  • Online training for employees returning to a UMS campus
  • UMaine Extension’s internal website on Plugged In which will provide our Level II plans, checklists for programs, a FAQ page and other information
  • Projected dates for re-opening of UMaine Extension offices, programs and units
  • Utilizing the “Health Advisory System” that was just announced for Maine schools in regards to making decisions around closing offices or in-person programming
  • Universal testing
  • Contact tracing
  • Continuing required use of the in-state travel form.

Hannah stresses: “Communication is so important!”  As we communicate with everyone, please be sure you are keeping those in your offices, programs, units updated as well.

Do you have questions or concerns about returning?  Please discuss with your supervisor or PA or contact Fran Sulinski, Assistant Director, UMaine Extension, fran.sulinski@maine.edu. You may also contact the Office of Human Resources, University of Maine.

Links from today’s session:

Hannah’s full PowerPoint presentation: Extension Connections, August 3, 2020 (PowerPoint)

July 6, 2020

In this session of Extension Connection, Dean Carter answers questions about safely returning to work, hiring, and budgets.

Links from today’s session:

June 1, 2020

This month’s “Extension Connection” began with a few moments of silence and reflection upon the events and news of the past week.

From Hannah’s colleague at Penn State: “Extension is about building communities. It is about improving the lives of all people. It is about raising the tides of opportunity that all boats may rise with it. Our programs, our resources, and our people must be used to promote capacity building. We must promote hope. We must promote change. We can’t stand idle when the clarion call has gone out. Let us rise to the challenge and lift all segments of our society, all people of our great state.”

And Hannah asked: “What can we do to ensure that Extension is a welcoming place to work, that our programs engage all and that when changes are needed in the communities we serve, that we are part of the solution? Let us be the light to help extinguish hate and inequality.”

The discussion continued: 1) Extension Book Club; 2) UMaine Extension promotional video, “UMaine Extension is…” (YouTube) ; 3) Looking Back at May; 4) Organizational Survey; 5) Define Tomorrow Ideas; 6) Budgets; 7) “Starting Safely;” 8) In-person programs; and 9) Information Into the Process.

Looking ahead to June: Guidance coming out today from the System Extension committee on “Starting Safely” — please email Hannah at hcarter@maine.edu if you would like to participate; Organizational Survey This Week, Town Hall to follow; Hannah Reminds Us: Remember, it’s still ok to take a summer vacation — start making plans!; and Maine’s Economic Recovery Committee.

May 4, 2020

In this session of Extension Connection, Hannah discusses the activities and meetings she’s attended this past month, the impact that COVID-19 has had on the University of Maine System, and UMaine Extension over the past six weeks, the budget and what our work-life might look like going forward.

A question and answer period was provided at the end of the session.

(Note: There were several stops/freezes at the beginning of the recording – internet connection related – however, the recording continues, with a few brief stop/freeze interruptions, for the remainder of the recording.)

April 6, 2020, COVID-19 Discussion

In this session of Extension Connection, Hannah discusses the past month, March activities (before and after remote work began) and most importantly, the impact that COVID-19 has had on the University of Maine System and UMaine Extension.

  • Dr. Joan Ferrini-Mundy, President of the University of Maine (UMaine), and its regional campus the University of Maine at Machias (UMM), joined the session at 3:15 p.m. to discuss the University’s dynamic, responsive approach to the pandemic.
  • Fran Sulinski, Assistant Director (and Human Resources), joined the session shortly after Dr. Ferrini-Mundy to discuss the Chancellor’s recent communication regarding new leave and furlough options for Extension staff and answer any questions regarding these options.

A question and answer period was provided at the end of the session.

(Note: There were several stops/freezes in the recording – internet connection related – however, the recording continues in a few seconds.)

March 2, 2020

In this third session of 2020, Hannah discussed her February activities:

  • Maine County Commissioners Executive Committee Meeting
  • Video Shoots Underway
  • UMaine Budget Meetings
  • Wild Maine Blueberry Conference
  • Natural and Working Land (NWL) Committee Meeting
  • AgCOM Meeting; IEP Meeting at Wichita State University
  • High School Basketball (Tourney Time!).

Upcoming in March:

  • Natural and Working Lands (NWL) Sub-Committee and Stakeholder Meetings
  • IEP Work; BOA Meeting in Augusta
  • Maine Grain Conference
  • Maine Garden Day; JOE Board Meeting in TN
  • Extension Showcase at Laughingstock Farm
  • Maine Ag Day in the Legislature

“March is a month of expectation.” — Emily Dickinson

Other Items:

  • Year of the County
  • “Office Hours”
  • Lots of Things to Celebrate
  • Revenue Generation Committee
  • Strategic Planning/Future of Extension Committee
  • COVID19 (Corona Virus)
  • “Lunch and Learn” Book Club

Guest for March: John Jemison, Extension Professor – Soil and Water Quality, discussed the ‘State of Hemp’ here in Maine and answered participant’s questions.

February 10, 2020

In this second session of 2020 (rescheduled from February 3, due to illness), Hannah discussed her January activities:

  • Maine Ag Trades Show
  • Maine Potato Conference
  • Annual AGOM Meeting
  • Maine Climate Council

Also mentioned:

  • UMaine Extension Internal Newsletter: will now be arriving in your inbox within a week of the Extension Connection session. A recording of each month’s Extension Connection session will be included in the monthly internal newsletter rather than a separate email.
  • UMaine Printing Services and the University Bookstore: what services they offer, what they can do for us at UMaine Extension
  • “Year of the County”
  • Innovation and Economic Prosperity (IEP)
  • Maine’s Economic Development Strategy: a survey to be circulated in March

On remaining focused and moving forward towards goals, avoiding distractions, Hannah provided the quote:

“You will never reach your destination if you stop and throw stones at every dog that barks.” ― Winston S. Churchill, 1874-1965

February’s guest was Fran Sulinski, Assistant Director, UMaine Extension. She discussed her role within Extension: human resources, staff development, mandatory compliance training, and an upcoming Innovation Engineering Workshop with Jason Bolton.

January 6, 2020

Kicking off 2020 in this seventh Extension Connection session, Hannah shared this quote:

Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365-page book. Write a good one. – Brad Paisley

  • December at a Glance
  • FY21 Budget
  • Some things to put on your radar screens:
    • “Year of the County”
    • Moving forward as an organization
    • Governor’s Economic Development Plan

Do you have a question about 2020? If so, email Hannah, hcarter@maine.edu by January 31!

January’s Guests:

The next Extension Connection will take place on Monday, February 3, 2020, at 3:00 p.m. Hannah’s guest that day will be Fran Sulinski, Assistant Director of UMaine Extension.

December 2, 2019

In her conversation, the sixth Extension Connection “Being Grateful,” Hannah discussed:

  • November at a Glance
  • Take-Aways from the Two-Day All Organizational Conference on November 13 and 14
  • FY21 Budget Situation and What Does This Mean for Extension?
  • Extension Innovation and Revenue Generation
    Hannah would like to convene a small group to look at revenue generation. If interested, please email Hannah at hcarter@maine.edu

The next Extension Connection will take place on January 6 at 3:00 p.m.

November 4, 2019

In her conversation, the fifth Extension Connection, Hannah discussed her October activities, what’s ahead in November and beyond.

Hannah’s guest this month was Kate Yerxa, Associate Extension Professor and EFNEP Coordinator, who discussed the EFNEP program and 50th Anniversary of the EFNEP Program.

The next Extension Connection will take place on December 2 at 3:00 p.m. Fran Sulinski, Assistant Director of Cooperative Extension will be Hannah’s guest.

If you have suggestions for future conversations, please send an email to Angela Hart, angela.hart@maine.edu with your ideas:

  • Guests?
  • Topics?
  • Frequency?
  • Should we share it with external audiences?

One of Hannah’s priorities is working to increase communication within the organization and this is just one way of doing so. Stay tuned for others and please try to join the conversations!

October 7, 2019

In her conversation, the fourth Extension Connection, Hannah discussed her September activities, what’s ahead in October and beyond.

Hannah’s guest this month was Saul Allen from the Office of Research Development. Saul joined Hannah to talk about the Grand Challenge Initiative and connecting with the ORD.  Saul’s contact information is saul.allen@maine.edu and 207.581.1589.

Hannah also spoke of LEAD21. If any Extension staff have an interest in administration one day, would like to build your network of future land grant leaders or are just interested in your own leadership development, please consider applying.

Lisa Phelps has sent out an email, a call for video proposals — think about your video needs and submit your ideas! Please complete the Cooperative Extension Internal Video Request Survey and submit by October 25. Contact Lisa Phelps at lisa.phelps@maine.edu or 207.356.3851 with questions or for more information.

The next Extension Connection will take place on November 4 at 3:00 p.m.; Kate Yerxa, Associate Extension Professor and EFNEP Coordinator will be Hannah’s guest and will be discussing the 50th Anniversary of the EFNEP Program.

September 9, 2019

Four Eat Well Program staff and volunteers
UMaine Extension Hancock County Eat Well Program staff and volunteers at the Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry, Ellsworth, Maine. Photo by Hannah Carter.

(Due to technical difficulties, Hannah’s third Extension Connection was not recorded.)

In her conversation, Hannah talked about her August activities, what’s ahead in September and beyond, and UMaine’s budget realignment and what it means for UMaine Extension.

Hannah’s guest this month was Ryder Scott, State Director of 4-H Camps and Learning Centers. Ryder spoke about UMaine’s four 4-H Camps and Learning Centers, the 4-H Center Network’s goals for the future, and how to support the Centers.

The next Extension Connection will take place on October 7 at 3:00 p.m.;  Jason Charland, R&D Plan Implementation Director, will be Hannah’s guest.

August 5, 2019

In this second conversation of the series, Hannah discusses her first three months on the job, where she has visited, what she has learned, and some initial reactions. Dennis Harrington, Assistant Director, and Financial Administrator of UMaine Extension, led a discussion on the budget. There was time allotted at the end of the meeting for questions from participants. If you have suggestions for future conversations — topics you would like to be addressed, people you would like to hear from — please email her with your ideas. One of Hannah’s priorities is working to increase communication within the organization and this is just one way of doing so. Stay tuned for others and please try to join the conversations!

The next Extension Connection will take place on September 9 (as September 2 is Labor Day) at 3:00 p.m.

July 1, 2019

In this first conversation, Hannah discusses her first two months on the job, where she has visited, what she has learned, and some initial reactions. If you have suggestions for future conversations — topics you would like to be addressed, people you would like to hear from — please email her with your ideas. One of Hannah’s priorities is working to increase communication within the organization and this is just one way of doing so. Stay tuned for others and please try to join the conversations!