CD Weekly Wire June 4, 2012

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CD WEEKLY WIRE
June 4, 2012


AD Update:

As you may already be aware, a hearty congratulation is in order to a team of CD colleagues. The recent work of Nancy Bowen, Myra Moss, Mike Lloyd, and Eric Romich focusing on renewable and shale energy as a local economic development strategy was selected as a Signature Program beginning July 2012. Nearly a dozen high-quality programs were proposed. The submissions were reviewed by a committee of over a dozen Extension peers and colleagues. From OSUE’s Signature Program Guidelines, these programs:

  1. demonstrate the ability of OSU Extension to address educational needs associated with Ohio’s most pressing critical issues;
  2. communicate significant impacts of statewide OSU Extension programs;
  3. elevate the status and perceptions of OSU Extension as a dynamic educational entity; and
  4. promote high quality OSU Extension programming across the state.

The program (an official title for external use is yet to be identified) will be officially launched in July and will join alongside another CD-led Signature Program, The Ohio Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E) Initiative, headed up by Nancy Bowen and David Civittolo. Congrats to all!

Happy Anniversary!
150 years ago last week, May 30, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed legislation to establish the land-grant university system and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Today, the land-grant mission of “knowledge with public purpose” is evident in research, learning, and community engagement projects that make the world safer, healthier, and more sustainable. The 2012 Folklife Festival program, “Campus and Community: Public and Land-grant Universities and the USDA at 150,” celebrates 150 years of partnership between universities, the USDA, and communities.

The Festival takes place Wednesday, June 27, through Sunday, July 1, and Wednesday, July 4, through Sunday, July 8, outdoors on the National Mall between Seventh and 14th Streets in Washington, DC. All events are free. Festival hours are 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. each day, with special evening events such as concerts and dance parties beginning at 5:30 p.m. The Festival is co-sponsored by the National Park Service and will feature more than 25 land-grant and public universities, including consortia of Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Tribal Colleges in the land-grant system, and Hispanic Serving Institutions. Participating Universities include the University of California, Davis; University of Florida; University of Hawaii; University of Illinois; Indiana University; Iowa State University; the University of Maryland; Michigan State University; Mississippi State University; University of Missouri; Montana State University; Oregon State University; University of Tennessee, Texas A&M University; Washington State University, and West Virginia University. The University of Vermont is a Contributing University.

The program will focus on four themes that reflect the current work of public and land-grant universities and the USDA:

  1. reinventing agriculture,
  2. sustainable solutions,
  3. transforming communities, and
  4. building on tradition.

Each theme area enables visitors to interact with university and USDA staff, professors, students, and community members highlighting exciting research and engagement projects. The program will cover an array of ways universities and the USDA put research to action every day; from master gardeners to Hawaiian traditional healing, from managing invasive species to helping communities recover from natural disasters.

The program will also feature:

  • Smithsonian U., where visitors can listen to short informative talks by master teachers;
  • the Test Kitchen, which will include cooking demonstrations using ingredients raised or researched at agricultural experiment stations;
  • The Commons, an area promoting dialogue about important issues affecting universities, the USDA, and communities;
  • The Justin S. Morrill Performing Arts Center, a large stage where student groups and other regional groups will showcase world class music and dance, from mariachi to Hawaiian hula;
  • the Learning Laboratory Family Activities Center, where families can experience hands-on art and science activities; and
  • Alumni Hall, an area for graduates of public and land-grant universities and USDA programs to reconnect with each other and share memories.

Visitors will also be able to visit the Festival Marketplace to purchase crafts, food items, and popular books and recordings relating to the universities and the USDA. The Smithsonian Folklife Festival, inaugurated in 1967, honors tradition bearers from across the United States and around the world. With approximately one million visitors each year, the Festival unites performers and visitors in the nation’s capital to celebrate the diversity of cultural traditions. It is produced by the Smithsonian’s Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage. The Festival’s website is www.festival.si.edu. For more information on the Morrill Act celebration, visit https://www.aplu.org/.

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:

National Value Added Conference Update - USDA Under Secretary to Speak:

Under Secretary of Agriculture Dallas Tonsager has confirmed that he will attend the National Value Added Conference on June 24 – 26, 2012 at the Grand Traverse Resort in Traverse City, Michigan. He will speak at 9 a.m. on June 25. For more details, registration information, and agenda, visit http://www.productcenter.msu.edu/productcenter/National_Value_Added_Conference_2012.

Behavior Change for a Sustainable World Conference - August 3-5:

Ohio State is the site of the Behavior Change for a Sustainable World Conference, an international gathering on how basic principles of behavior change can help in the fight to preserve our environment. The conference will be held Friday, August 3 through Sunday, August 5 at the Ohio Union. The program will feature well-respected figures in behavior analysis, environmental organizations, business, and government. For more information and to register, visit http://abainternational.org/events/susconf2012.

New Undergraduate Major in Sustainability at Ohio State:

Students who have a passion for sustainability can put it into practice by enrolling in Ohio State’s new major called Environment, Economy, Development and Sustainability (EEDS). The EEDS major is a multi-disciplinary degree program in sustainability that provides students in-depth training in the economic, business, and social aspects of sustainability. This cutting-edge major provides the core knowledge and skills students need to pursue a career in sustainability in the private, public, or non-profit sector. Sustainability is a rapidly growing field, and knowledge of sustainability is becoming an important competency in many types of jobs. Students can enroll now for Fall 2012. Learn more about this pioneering major and how to enroll by visiting http://eeds.osu.edu.

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REMINDERS / UPDATES / NEWS:

June 27 CD In-Service - Travel Logistics:

Fine tuning of the agenda is still in progress, but here’s the logistics information for folks who like to plan ahead:

  • Melinda Huntley has arranged for discounted ferry tickets on the Miller Boat Line from Catawba Island (special rate of $11 roundtrip). Remember to indicate you are with Ohio Sea Grant for the discount. For more information, visit http://www.millerferry.com. The ferry departs every half-hour, e.g. 9:00, 9:30, etc.
  • For those that want to take a day or two off on either side of the event, Melinda has also arranged a discounted lodging rate of $119 per night for both June 26 and 27 at the Islander Inn. Please say that you are with “Melinda” to get the special rate. Reservations can be made by calling (419) 285-7829. For more information, go to http://islanderinnpib.com.

Our Sea Grant Extension colleagues have planned an exciting day to teach us more about Lake Erie health and its economic value. We’ll also have time built in for program team and administrative updates. Look at a map and start planning your trip. Riding with your colleagues there and back promises to be great fun!

EcoSummit 2012 Call for Volunteers:

EcoSummit 2012, a major international ecological conference hosted by OSU, is taking place Sunday, September 30 through Friday, October 5 in Columbus. Experience some of the world's most respected minds in ecological science and discuss restoration of the planet's ecosystems. Volunteers are needed to help with a number of tasks including room monitors, registration, opening event, banquet at the Olentangy River Wetland Research Park, and more. If you would like to volunteer, contact Lynn McCready at mccready.20@osu.edu. For more information on the conference, visit http://www.ecosummit2012.org.

Food Growing Movement Video Available to View:

A short film highlighting the work of a new food growing movement, entitled 'Incredible Edible Todmorden," is posted at http://vimeo.com/36838823. It's CD, sustainability, and local foods!

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OSU Extension CD Mission Statement:

Ohio State University Extension Community Development helps communities enhance their well-being.


THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY / www.osu.edu
© 2012, OSU Extension Community Development, 25 Agricultural Administration Building, 2120 Fyffe Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210 / 614-292-6232
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