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New Mexico State University

July 11, 2007 Extension Update

Dear Extension Faculty and Staff:  

It has been over three weeks since my last E-update, and I assure it is not because there is nothing to write about, in fact quite the opposite. I am not going to cram it all in this week E-update, but over the next couple of weeks I would like to try and catch you up on a number of on going Extension initiatives. I am also aware that there are lots of questions and concerns about “whats going on” with the talk of specialist being merged with academic departments, P&T, salary equity and other issues. I would also ask that if you have specific concerns that you would like for me to address, to email or call me and/or let your Department Head know, even if you have already brought the issue up. For now I would like to share with you some excellent work that your colleagues are doing.

 

The ‘Harding County Initiative’ is taking shape as the result of an initial May visit to the county from NMSU representatives. During the May visit to Harding County, several aspects of county education and commerce were toured. Harding County Agent, Blair Clavel and several community representatives accompanied the NMSU group to provide insight into needs and opportunities. The county is dealing with a continued decline in population including youth leaving their communities.  During the tours, NMSU Colleges of Ag, Business, Engineering, and Extended Learning faculty and administration noted such things as an expanding role for NMSU’s distance education efforts; increasing NMSU’s recruitment presence; and expanding businesses including a metal fabrication plant, theatre, agro-tourism sites, gas and convenient store locations, and green house establishment. This past Monday a second meeting took place at NMSU to move the initiative a step closer to fruition. A University-Wide effort has begun in earnest to look at educational and economic development opportunities and challenges in Harding communities.  Representatives from the Colleges of Extended Learning, Education, Business (Arrowhead Center), Engineering (M-TEC), Agriculture & Home Economics, NM Learning Network, Harding County School Districts and Clovis Community College brought forth ideas and discussions with President Martin, who was in attendance.  The NMSU group committed resources to assist rural schools and communities through distance education channels and by doing what is best for student populations.  Dr. Martin was quoted as saying he wants to “chase this great idea” and has charged University-wide Extension to head up the challenge. 

Elena Bowers, McKinley Co. CES Home Economist has been overseeing  “A New Twist Adds Flavor to Food Distribution” event. Every Friday, since August, 2006, Nutrition Educators, Gayleen and LaRae have prepared a recipe from food items provided by the Community Pantry. “What do I do with this eggplant or kiwi?”  That’s a question Jim Harlin has often heard as he passes out the week’s food items.  Most McKinley County recipients have no idea what eggplant or kiwi is, much less how to prepare it and use it. Gayleen and LaRae have become experts in preparing a recipe for the items received each week.  They have also included that week’s recipe, nutrition and food safety information in the food box.  About 400 participants are registered to receive commodities each month.  Since our nutrition educators have been providing this information, very little waste of food has been reported and very little food has been turned back to the pantry.  People are trying the recipes and most have reported that they also like the opportunity to taste the prepared recipe prior to picking up their box.  The collaboration between CES and The Community Pantry has been very successful in helping people with cultural food differences to accept and try different kinds of foods.  What a great way to build sound nutrition practices for life.    

Town Hall meetings previously scheduled on the CAHE Calendar of Events http://www.cahe.nmsu.edu/calendar/. The purpose of these meetings is to bring our stakeholders – your clientele – to the table to discuss research, educational, and extension needs and priorities across the state.  The goal is to attract a balance of stakeholders, such as agricultural producers and association members, government and elected officials at all levels, family and youth serving organizations, civic leaders, economic and community development organizations, faith-based organizations, school officials, tribal representatives, chambers of commerce, 4-H leaders, agency partners and, of course Support Council members.  We are hoping you will encourage a large cross section of clientele and potential clientele to attend whether the meetings are held in your county or a geographically neighboring location. As an office, I would encourage you to brainstorm who could/should attend from your county. Feel free to invite individuals.  If you have further questions or want invitations/brochures, please contact your Department Head or Jeanine Castillo at (505)202-8728 or rjeanine@nmsu.edu. Dates, times and locations follow:

  • August 22 - Grant County- Silver City (The Red Barn at 708 Silver Heights, from 10 am to 1 pm);
  • August 29 - San Juan County – Farmington (The Civic Center in Farmington, from 10 am to 1 pm);
  • August 31 - Bernalillo County – Albuquerque (The Albuquerque Garden Center at 10120 Lomas Blvd. NE, from 10 am to 1 pm);
  • September 27 - Union County – Clayton (Meeting place and time TBA);
  • September 28 - Chavez County – Roswell (Meeting place TBA from 1 pm to 4 pm)
  • November 1 - Dona Ana County – Las Cruces (New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum, 4100 Dripping Springs Rd from 10am to 1pm)

Dean Catlett will be in attendance at each of these meetings, this is a important opportunity for the college to hear from the community.

 

I will be in Roswell attending the NM Wool Growers summer meeting Thursday and Friday. If you need to contact me, please call Bea Garrett at 646-3015.

 

Paul