ELT Minutes, August 7, 2013
Regional Learning Center, Small Conference room
Facilitator: Dennis Harrington
Note taker: Fran Sulinski
Agenda
ELT Business Items
The 8.8% Smith-Lever cut is larger than what was projected, but Extension was not disproportionately treated.
Centralized Database Update
Lisa shared an updated timeline of the Centralized Database. A test should be ready in September.
Small Ruminant & Poultry Specialist
The ELT endorsed a change in title for Dr. Dick Brzozowski to Small Ruminant & Poultry Specialist. We thank Dick for all of the work that he has done Statewide and the leadership he has provided. Dick will continue to carry out County-based agricultural programming in Cumberland as well as support the Master Gardener and home gardener programs as needed.
ELT Interactions with Cumberland County Programming and Projects
The ELT appreciated the time taken to inform and engage us with the many programs delivered by Cumberland County staff. We were energized to see the 4-H program youth leaders who engage children with science activities at their lunch site and to tour the demonstration garden. It was also very nice to visit with staff at the potluck lunch. Thanks again to all!
Future Agenda Items
First quarter of each year: Updates from Tanglewood/Blueberry Cove, and Bryant Pond Camps
Announcement Invitation
The ELT invites you to submit items to be included in the minutes/announcements of the next regularly scheduled ELT meeting. This is an opportunity to share with the ELT and the rest of the organization any of the following:
- Notable programmatic accomplishments
- Development or fundraising success
- Significant new partnerships and/or opportunities
- Important transitions
Please take the opportunity to share your good works through this avenue. Keep it brief, approximately two to four sentences would be appreciated. To submit an announcement, please contact your PA or appropriate member of the ELT.
Please remember to visit University of Maine’s news site for additional University of Maine Cooperative Extension highlight.
Announcements
The ELLMS Project (Environmental Living and Learning for Maine Students) has been awarded a bronze Outstanding Team Award for 2013 from the Association of Natural Resource Extension Professionals (ANREP). This award recognizes achievements of interdisciplinary, interagency, or other teams that exhibit leadership and excellence in planning, designing, delivering, and evaluating a high impact Extension natural resources program. ELLMS partners include UMaine 4‑H Camp & Learning Centers at Tanglewood and Bryant Pond, Ferry Beach Ecology School, Chewonki, and the Schoodic Education & Research Center Institute. Cathy Elliott, Heather Francis, Susan Jennings, and Ryder Scott represent UMaine Extension on The ELLMS Project Steering Committee. In its first two years, ELLMS has raised $545,000 to scholarship 5,336 students from 113 Maine public schools to our residential environmental education programs.
Congratulations to Wanda Lincoln, who has been awarded $337,164 from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), $6,603 from United Way of Eastern Maine, and $14,340 from State of Maine Department of Health and Human Services to continue the UMaine Extension Senior Companion Program for FY14. The Senior Companion Program provides assistance and friendship to adults who have difficulty with daily living tasks, helping these adults remain independent in their homes instead of having to move to more costly institutional care.
Congratulations to Ellen Libby, who has been awarded $8,000 from Jane B. Cook 1992 Charitable Trust to help support the FoodCorps Maine program. FoodCorps is a nation-wide program dedicated to connecting children with healthy food.
Congratulations to Bruce Watt, who has been awarded $17,775 from USDA-National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and Cornell University to continue his work in the National Plant Diagnostic Network (NPDN) for FY14. This program facilitates the rapid identification of unusual plant pests and pathogens and ensures seamless communication of new discoveries to other diagnostic facilities and regulatory authorities throughout the U.S.
Search Updates
POS#208 Small Farm Business Professional – Accepting Applications
POS#209 Research Assistant – Accepting Applications
POS#210 Parent Education Professional –Accepting Applications
POS#211 Crops Specialist – Awaiting HR Approval to Advertise
ELT Meeting Dates – 2013
Meetings are from 9:00 am to 3:30 p.m., unless otherwise noted.
| Dates | Facilitator | Notes | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 27 | Sulinski | Phelps | Orono — 102B Libby Hall |
| September 19 | Phelps | Rebar | Orono — 102B Libby Hall |
| October 15 | Rebar | Prichard | Augusta, UMA — 124 Jewett Hall |
| November 6 | Prichard | Harrington | TBD |
| November 25 | Harrington | Sulinski | Orono — 102B Libby Hall |
| December 18 | Sulinski | Phelps | Orono — 102B Libby Hall |