Ohio Alpha Eta Chapter

 ESP 2007 Regional and National Award Winners

Distinguished Service Award   
 Marge Wolford (Pickaway County, Family & Consumer Sciences Extension Educator) – Marge has been active in a variety of leadership roles with the various professional associations throughout her career.  These include: OEAA president, FCS sectional President, Professional Improvement Chair, and Galaxy Recognition Co-chair.  She was the founding member of Asset Builder Steering committee and now provides leadership for the Partnerships for Success process in Pickaway County.  She has authored or co-authored several publications on asset building for youth and parents and Women’s Health Education.   Through all her positions she has demonstrated excellent leadership in programming skills and has been very effective in teaming with county, regional and state staff to bring innovative and much needed programming to clientele. 
                       
Friend of Extension Award
James F. Patterson (Chesterland, Ohio) – Jim has long been an advocate for Ohio State University Extension on the local, state, and national levels.  Serving a nine-year term on the Ohio State University Board of Trustees, Jim advocated for agriculture and youth while challenging the organization to grow and expand its educational reach.  Jim hosted Extension Field Days for Fruit Growers and other Extension clientele that provided access to local and state experts to address the most critical needs of producers. Jim was instrumental in the capital campaign and all other phases to design and build the Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center.

Administrative Leadership Recognition
Barbara G. Ludwig (Columbus, Ohio) – Barb served more than thirty years with The Ohio State University in a number of different capacities.  Most recently, she was the Associate Director and Chair for the Department of Extension and then moved to the Associate Dean, Outreach & Engagement for the College of Education & Human Ecology.  In her administrative roles she: Mobilized organizational restructuring; built teams; gave administrative leadership for 150 faculty; developed a mentor program; Developed Global Focus; Performed conflict management and interventions; Developed policies; coordinated statewide economic impact assessment with Battelle institute; fostered grant development; served on the CSREES Steering Committee on Internationalization, and was a member of the CSREES Review Team. 

Visionary Leadership Recognition
Ryan Schmiesing (State 4-H Office) – Ryan has worked for OSU Extension for more than twelve years and has held positions at the county, regional, and state level.  As Associate State 4-H Leader he had primary responsibility for risk management and volunteer selection.  In his career, Ryan has served on a number of state and national committees and task forces including the OSU Extension risk management task force and the National 4-H Professional Development task force. Program risk management resources developed by the Ryan are being adopted and/or utilized in other states as Extension professionals revise policies and procedures.
       

Meritorious Support Service Recognition (for support staff)
Vicki Myers (North Central Region) - Vicki Myers has served the North Central Region for more than 25 years. She has been indispensable to Regional Directors and staff of counties served. Her systematic approach has resulted in effective and useful communications, reports, data bases, and mechanisms to gather data that are so useful, she has been asked to share them with peers in the other regions/districts.

Julie Strawser (OSU South Centers) – Julie has worked in both Ross County and then moved to the OSU South Centers.  As an Information Associate, Julie supports 4-H, the aquaculture team, small business and marketing team, and the horticulture team.  Julie has supported teaching programs by actively being engaged in educational programs such as PetPals, diversity, and marketing.  She is especially proficient in creating brochures, customer service, and website development. 

Mid Career Service Award
Mary Longo (Marion County, Family & Consumer Sciences Educator) -  As a Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Mary is known for her passion for teaching early childhood development to parents and professionals.  She has authored presentations and peer reviewed publications that are used by professionals across the county.  She has been instrumental in developing materials that incorporate nutrition and child development. 
          
Early Career Award
David Civittolo  (Medina County, Community Development Educator) - David Civittolo provides exceptional leadership to Medina County as County Director and Community Development Educator. His area of specialization is land use and he has focused his educational programs and scholarly work in this area. David is active in the statewide organization as well as in his county in the following: Next S.T.E.P, Medina City Education Workforce, Medina County Farm Market/Fall Foliage tour, government official training, strategic planning, land-use tool course. He has developed innovative programs (including streaming videos) that are evaluated as effective and impactful.

Retiree Service Recognition
Ella Mae Bard (Knox County, Family & Consumer Sciences Educator) – Ella Mae, retired County Chair and Extension Educator, Family Consumer Science & Community Development, Knox County.  She serves on the OAEP board as the retirees’ representative and chair of the Extension retirees’ picnic event.  She is member of the Ohio Genealogical Society and comes back each year to serve as an assistant superintendent for the 4-H genealogy projects.  In her Extension career she was known for her expertise in Household equipment and parliamentary procedures.  She continues to get e-mails or phone calls with these types of questions form Extension educators assisting clientele.

 
Team Recognition
Building for the Successful Transition of Your Agricultural Business - David Marrison (Ashtabula), Don Breece (Extension Specialist), Chris Zollars (Tuscarawas), Chris Bruynis (Wyandot), Jeff McCutcheon (Knox), Julia Woodruff (Ashland), Mike Gastier (Huron), Barry Ward (Program Leader)

This recognition is designed to recognize outstanding efforts on the part of a team of Extension staff in responding to and incorporating into a specific educational program one or more of the National Initiatives identified by the Cooperative Extension System. 

Diversity/Multicultural Recognition (Team)

Amish Outreach Programs - Mark Landefeld (Monroe, Agriculture & Natural Resources Educator) & Steve Schumacher (Belmont, Agriculture & Natural Resources Educator)

This award acknowledges outstanding efforts and accomplishment in developing, achieving and sustaining Extension programs and /or audiences in our diverse and multicultural society.  Recognition is given to a team whose innovative programming reinforces the organizations’ commitment to reaching diverse audiences.

ESP 2007 Team Teaching Award Winners

Multi-disciplinary,  2-4 members

 1^st place:         College Success Series

                        Through a partnership with OSU Lima’s First Year Experience program,

Two Extension Educators taught seminars for the Student Success Series during the 2006-07 school year. Topics were chosen to attract freshmen in the subjects of finances, relationships, study skills, and online social networking.

 2^nd place:        NEAFCS Living Well Marketing Campaign

The NEAFCS Living Well external marketing campaign – Raising Kids, Eating Right, Spending Smart, Living Well, challenged Ohio’s FCS professionals to increase marketing and impact of programming efforts to stakeholders and elected officials. This team focused on existing programs (Legislative luncheon, County Legislative Visits, etc. to provide “value added” programming impact.

Multi-disciplinary, 5 or more members

1^st place:          Blended E-Learning

Nine Extension professionals participated in a pilot Blended E-Learning program focused on the Knowledge Economy. Two face-face sessions were conducted along with distance learning modules. Participants learned Knowledge Economy concepts while learning to use new tools like blogs, podcasts, collaborative project management software, interactive video, internet, telephone and instant messaging.

1^st place:         Tri-State Diversity Conference

The Extension Educators from Tri-State (Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky) are working together to address new ways of being more inclusive with programs. They presented the 3^rd Annual Conference, “Appreciating Diversity through Foods: Farm to table for all ages.”

2^nd place:        Ohio Watershed Leaders Program

The Ohio Watershed LeaderS program is an informal hands-on two-day workshop held annually each August. OSLS consists of field-oriented training while at the same time providing an opportunity to foster new relationships in a fun and relaxing atmosphere. The target audience is watershed coordinators, agency professionals, and interested citizens.

3^rd place:         Annie’s Project

The 2007 Annie’s Project combined the teaching effort of County Extension Educators and state specialists to address the needs of farm women to successfully manage risk.

One Program Area, 2-4 members

1^st place:         Soil Quality Workshop         

The Soil Quality Workshop was conducted by a team of County Educators and State Specialist to increase knowledge and provide resources for participants. Managing pests by linking plant health to soil health can be achieved with the fundamental principals presented. Self-assessment of soil quality was done by using an instant soil test kit and qualitative analysis with the Ohio Soil Health Card. Sponsorship was provided by the OSU Integrated Pest Management Mini-grant Program, the OSU Sustainable Ag. Team, and the Sustainable Ag. Research and Education Department.

One Program Area, 5 or more members

1^st place:         Building for Successful Transition of Your Agricultural Business

The Ohio Transition Planning team is helping Ohio farm families plan for the future of their businesses by developing curriculum, fact sheets, and a workshop on transition planning. The team also wrote and received a $39,725 grant from the North Central Risk Management Education Center to fund their teaching efforts.

2^nd place:        Conservation Tillage & Technology Conference

The CTTC Conference uses research based information along with farmer and consultant experiences to educate researchers, consultants, and farmers to increase adoption of conservation tillage and continuous no-till farming. In the long run, these best management practices decrease soil erosion, improve nutrient recycling, improve water quality, and improve farmer profitability.

3^rd place:         Small Farm Center at Farm Science Review

The 2006 Small Farm Center at Farm Science Review combined the teaching effort of county Extension Educators, state specialists, farmer producers, and non-profit staff to address the needs of small and sustainable farmers.

2007 ESP Tools for Teaching Winners

Photo Features

1^st      David Marrison

The photo array was used to introduce the weekly news column by David Marrison in the Ashtabula Star Beacon.  The educator is requested to send photos with his weekly column.  The Star Beacon chose to run all five photos with this news column to showcase the three day cheese making workshop.

 2^nd     Sharon Strouse

3^rd      Barbara Carder
 

 Follow Up Story

1^st      Alan Sundermeier

Cover Crops may be helpful in crop rotation Sentinel Tribune Wood County daily newspaper October 7, 2006.  Circulation 20,000

Personal Column

1^st      David Marrison

This entry is David Marrison’s weekly agricultural news column which is published in the Ashtabula Star Beacon (daily) and the Jefferson Gazette (weekly).  This weekly column provides updates on educational events, technology, and agricultural management issues

 2^nd     David Dugan

2^nd     Donna Green

2^nd     James Jordan

3^rd      Jerry Mahan

Periodical Publication

1^st      David Civottolo, Greg Davis, John Conglose, Nancy Kukay

David Civittolo-Land use change in Ohio takes place predominantly at the township level.  As such, Ohio’s township trustees are faced with decisions related to land use on a regular basis.  What do trustees know about zoning, subdivision regulations, and comprehensive planning?  Are trustees participating in continuing education related to these land use planning tools?  Are these land use tolls being employed at the township level in Ohio?

 1^st      Punam Ohri-Vachaspti

Punam Ohri-Vachaspti-The article titled “Fighting the food desert phenomenon” address problems related to lack of access to healthy food choices in low-income neighborhoods and its impact on health and nutrition.  City Fresh, a program that improves access and availability of fresh produce in low-income neighborhoods and a community gardening program are highlighted as two initiatives that combat the food desert phenomenon.

 1^st      Sharon Strouse

Sharon’s Feature article written for the annual edition of the Graphic Publications “Outlook 2007,” published in February 2007.

 2^nd     Barbara Carder

3^rd      Bruce Zimmer

 Radio Short News Segment

1^st      David Dugan

The radio news report discusses the recent program concerning the Drought and some alternative forages, an update on row crop and tobacco diseases in the area, as well as, prevention for such diseases.  The report finished up with the announcement of upcoming programs of interest in agriculture for the listening area.

 Radio Ten Minute Regular  Program

1^st      Jerry Mahan

Educator has a regular 8-10 minute program each Monday on WGIC radion1500 AM.  On this broadcast he covers upcoming events and issues related to agriculture, horticulture and community development.  Three programs are taped by telephone before airing.

 
One to Five Minute TV Program      

1^st      Susan Shockey, Kevin Landers

This TV News Report aired September 18, 2006 during Farm Science Review; it addressed the concerns of E.coli contamination and ready to eat bags of spinach, lettuce, and mixed greens in grocery stores.  Consumers were informed how farmers and local gardeners grow fruits and vegetables.  As fresh spinach returns to food markets, this TV segment informed consumers of how to safely prepare and serve foods.  The outbreak spread to 26 states forced many consumers to reconsider the safety of packages greens requesting the consumer’s need for more research.  The news segment ended with Jeff LeGeune’s research at The Ohio State University being shared in another news story.

Professionally Assisted Video

1^st      David Civitollo

In 1993, the Ohio General Assembly passed legislation enabling local communities to create Joint Economic Development Districts (JEDD).  A JEDD agreement enables townships, cities, and villages to cooperatively address concerns associated with diminishing local revenues, economic development, growth, and annexation pressures.  A JEDD becomes a local community approach to solving economic development issues by providing local governments the ability to enter into legal agreements.

2^nd     Alan Sundermeier

Internally Produced Slides

1^st      Punam Ohri-Vachaspti

The presentation poses the questions “Does it cost more to eat healthy?”  It starts off by describing the current availability, consumption, and expenditure patterns for food in the US, followed by a comparison on cost of healthy and not-so-healthy options, Ten tips are suggested to eat healthy within the budget.  Each tip is discussed in detail with illustrations and examples.

Computer Gernerated Presentation

1^st      Sharon Mader, Ruby Randolph

The power Point program introduces OSU Extension to audiences both traditional and non-traditional.  The purpose of the presentation is to highlight the diversity of Family & Consumer Sciences programming including healthy families, healthy relationships and healthy finances.  Programs are identified based on local needs and delivered as appropriate via newsletters, web sites, face to face, fact sheets, displays, and group settings.

 2^nd     Julie Robinson

3^rd      Lois Clark, Nancy Recker

HM     James Jordan

Internally Produced Educational Exhibit

2^nd     Punam Ohri-Vachaspti

“It adds up quickly!” display challenges viewer to think about the notion of cost of healthy food choices.  Five sugary beverages that can possibly be consumed in a day are displayed with their sugar and caloric content along with their price.  A fruit basket containing fruits bough for the same amount of money as the five beverages is displayed for comparison.

Newsletters-Team-Internally Produced

1^st      Chris Bruynis, David Marrison, Don Breece, Barry Ward, Dianne Showemaker, Andy Kleinschmidt, Chris Zoller, Julia Woodruff, Gary Wilson, Glen Arnold, Brian Roe, Matthew Roberts, Stan Ernst, Jim Skeeles, Mike Gastier, Howard Siegrist

This entry is highlights of the Ohio Ag Manager electronic newsletter.

2^nd     Joyce Shriner, Cynthia Shuster, Rebecca Miller

Newsletters – County Staff

1^st      Bruce Zimmer

The Monroe County 4-H Endowment Committee produces an annual newsletter for 4-H alumni and donors.  The newsletter promotes fundraising events, recognizes donors, informs readers of the endowment’s progress and encourages readers to be an active donor.

2^nd     Barbara Carder

3^rd      David Marrison, Hannah Jo Woodruff

Newsletter – District or State

1^st      Jim Hoorman, Carolyn Hall, Pam Assenheimer, Randy James, Les Ober

A USDA CSREES 406 grant was obtained to educate Amish/Anabaptist clientele on best management practices (BMP) to improve water quality.  A monthly full page advertisement in the “Budget” is distributed to 20,000 Amish/Anabaptist families nationally.  A3-4 page newsletter fits in a full page and costs $1025 and is cheaper that 1st or 3rd class postage.

County Popular Report

1^st      Eric Barrett, Teresa Stone, Connie Cunningham, Terry Tamburini, Kathy Dodrill, Tracy Waite, Kelly Nichols, Jennifer Dobbs, Karen Martindell, Jill Gerken, Peggy Bolen, Cindy Styer, Sharon Dearth, Kim Sherlock, Stacy Elliot

Each year, we complete a county-based report to highlight our impacts on the county and its people.  For our 2006 Report to the People, we utilized the new CFAES branding guidelines in order to make a high quality publication that would expand our public relations beyond traditional clientele and further solidify our Ohio State linkage in the public’s mind.

2^nd     Lois Clark, John Smith, Elizabeth Miller, Pat Bowsher, Lori Now, Julie Schneider, Maryann Andrews

Special Topic or Team Popular Report

1^st      Theresa Ferrari, Graham Cochran, Lisa Sotak, Nancy Hudson

The ability to manage one’s personal finances has become increasingly important in today’s world.  To evaluate the impact of the Real Money, Real World curriculum, a statewide evaluation is being conducted to assess the benefits of programs using the curriculum.  The interim report of the Real Money, Real World evaluation reflects data collected from 26 schools in 12 counties

 Promotional Flyer – Internally Produced

1^st      Sharon Strouse

This promotional flyer was designed as a “poster” and an “insert” to create awareness during and following our county fair, at local auction barns and via target mailings to our Amish advisory members.  Designed to meet the needs of small business owners in our area who are at high risk related to issues surrounding their estates and business continuity

2^nd     Pat Brinkman, Monica Jones, Fitness and Nutrition Society of Fayette Co.

2^nd     Sally McClaskey

3^rd      Mary Beth Albright

Promotional Flyer – Professionally Assisted

1^st      Tricia Callahan, Design District, Inc.

In an effort to attract residents to the New $tart Bankruptcy and financial management class, brochures were needed.  The concept behind the brochure was to create an item that all residents would be interested in, not just clients experiencing bankruptcy.  However, the brochure also needed to convey that residents could fulfill their bankruptcy requirements through attending the class.

 Fact Sheet

1^st      David Marrison, Dave Goerig

This entry is the fact sheet written by David Marrison and Dave Goerig on Giant Hogweed.  It was written in response to the increased media attention to Giant Hogweed after its discovery in Ohio in 2004.  This fact sheet was written to help Ohio residents identify and control this noxious weed.

 2^nd     David Civitollo

3^rd      Alan Sundermeier, Peter Thomison, Randall Reeder, Warren Dick, Robert Muller

HM     Graham Cochran, Teresa Ferrari, Nate Arnett, Kathy Cox, Larry Hall, Bill Harris, Nikki Nestor McNeely

 Publications

1^st      Christine Olinsky, Jean Clements, Nancy Hudson

The Master Money Mentor Training Manual/CD is designed to train professionals working with individuals requesting help in money management.  Participants gain subject matter knowledge, teaching strategies and skills for working effectively with other to promote change in money behaviors.  Resources and tolls for measuring impact are included.  The CD is available for purchase by extension educators for educational programming

 2^nd     Alan Sundermeier, Joseph Kovach

2^nd     Dee Jepsen, Michael Wonacott, Thomas Bean, Peter Ling

Home Page on the WWW

1^st      Fred Snyder, George Oommen

OSU Extension-Sea Grant’s Lake Erie Discussion Board (http://ohioseagrant.osu.edu/discuss/) offers Extension’s Lake Erie clientele an “ask your educator” service, providing personal answers to their Lake Erie questions within hours of their queries being posted.  A Sea Grant Extension specialist or educator is assigned weekly to monitor the board each day, research topics if needed and to provide timely, accurate answers.

Education Package – Team   

1^st      Punam Ohri-Vachaspati, Kimberly Williams, Gina Suozzi

Let’s be healthy together is a set of six activity sheets developed to encourage dialogue and partner activities between parents and young children.  The activity sheets included a brief description of the topic and a short suggested activity.  At the end of a nutrition class, elementary school children are given one activity to take home and do with their parent.

 2^nd     Tricia Callahan, Demetria Woods, Susan Crouse, Time Fine, Lisa Goodall, Linda Good, Melissa Hudelson

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