Monthly Archives: July 2019

July 30, 2019

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In this week’s issue:

Communication and connection opportunities

Is there anything about which you are interested, curious, or concerned? Here are some ways to share and ask:

  • Online form to submit questions (Think of this like a virtual comment box.)
  • OSU Extension Slack workspace or informal communication and collaboration
  • Read ConnEXTion weekly, and contribute!
  • O&E blog with First Monday videos (Engage via the comment section!)
  • Outreach & Engagement Quarterly Conversations (Next: August 16, 2019)

New Extension Name Badge

Feedback tells us the metal name badges introduced last year are not holding up to the level of use by our Extension employees – they tend to bend and scratch easily. Thus, we’re bringing back the sturdy orange plastic badges with new designs, one of which offers the use of preferred pronouns. In the spirit of language inclusivity, the addition of swinger plates to identify language proficiency is also available. The intention of the language plates is to let our clientele know who they can speak to in their preferred language. If you are proficient in more than one language, multiple swinger plates can be stacked. Continued use of current metal name badges is fine. New employees and replacement badges will use the new style.

  • Extension Administration covers the cost of a name badge for new employees. Please contact Kaylyn Hymes in Extension Administration to obtain an index and activity code to charge.
  • Units cover the cost of replacement badges for current employees.

Supervisors or office managers should go to the R3 Customshop website to order new name badges. Create an account, choose OSU Extension as the department and badge options will appear. Excel spreadsheets can be uploaded, if needed.

If you have questions, please contact Ann Marie Murphy.

Summer Events

Besides fairs and workshops many counties have special events such as Shop at the Dock. Check the Extension Events Calendar often to see what may be of interest to our clients across the state.

Extension Web Update

What is the most critical factor in helping us create a shared use of CRM practices in Extension? Trust. Read about it in today’s Navigator post.

Diversity Highlights

Please contact analu.fonseca@oregonstate.edu with any questions, or if you have suggestions for content to include in Diversity Highlights.

Statewide Events & Resources

Oregon Native American Chamber Networking Lunch
Join the Oregon Native American Chamber for a networking lunch on Wednesday, July 31 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Metro (600 NE Grand Ave, Portland, Oregon 97232).

Extension Professional Development Funds available (Aug. 1 deadline)
Faculty and staff with an Extension appointment of .25 FTE or greater are encouraged to apply. To view criteria and apply, visit the webpage.

Salem Pride in the Park 2019
Just when it looked like Pride was not happening in Salem in 2019, the community spoke out, showed up, and let us know how important this event is to our city. Saturday, Aug. 3 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Salem’s Riverfront Park.

Measuring Racial Equity in the Food System: Established and Suggested Metrics
This webinar provides an introduction to the newly published guide, Measuring Racial Equity in the Food System: Established and Suggested Metrics, including examples of metrics in four different themes and ways the guide can be used.

In the News

Beyond braille: Oregon-made ‘printers’ open opportunities for the blind in math and science (Oregonian)
At the age of 48, Gardner took time off from Oregon State University to learn how to live without sight. He adapted to walking with a cane and learned how to get from one place to another without driving.

Planting the seeds of peace (Gazette-Times)
Planting a tree is always a hopeful act, but the persimmon sapling planted in April behind the Asian & Pacific Cultural Center on the OSU campus expresses a very particular hope: the hope for an end to nuclear weapons.

Oregon Native designers celebrate heritage, counter mass fashion (Oregonian)
Across Oregon, a growing number of popular Native American artists and designers are confronting mass fashion trends and celebrating their heritage through their work. Luhui Whitebear, assistant director of Oregon State University’s Native American Longhouse, says indigenous artwork is connected to Native teachings and traditions.

Extension in the News

Benevolent or fearsome? Yellowjackets can be both
Associated Press
“Yellowjackets, hornets and paper wasps are all beneficial predators of soft-bodied insects such as caterpillars, grubs and flies,” said Heather Stoven, a horticulturist with Oregon State University Extension Service.

‘An incredible week’: STEM camp gets kids ‘Ready for Tomorrow’
Argus Observer
Youth came from Adrian, Nyssa, Vale, Ontario and Idaho for the camps geared toward science, technology, engineering and math, Oregon State University Extension Agent Barbara Brody said.

Drought-stricken trees die in and around Eugene
The Register-Guard
Each year of drought puts more strain on trees, said Lauren Grand, forester with the Oregon State University Extension Service in Lane County.

July 23, 2019

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In this week’s issue:

PACE offers Wine Tasting Experience

Learn more about about wine at this workshop in either Portland or Corvallis in September. Details are here.

Extension Web Update

Do you still have people calling to ask how to find things on the website? Have you not revisited the Extension website since after the launch? You may be surprised how things have changed over the past year. This “getting reacquainted” video tour shows how to orient yourself on this updated site. Share with your colleagues and clients, and also see new ways we are gathering feedback from audiences.

Diversity Highlights

Please contact analu.fonseca@oregonstate.edu with any questions, and if you have suggestions for content to include in Diversity Highlights.

Statewide Events & Resources

Oregon GEAR UP Resources
The GEAR UP program’s goal is to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary programs. Take a look at their free toolkits and other resources for educators here.

Financial Strategies for Women
A workshop for women and those who care about women. A variety of topics are addressed which pertain to, and are relevant for, women interested in financial planning and investing. Presented by Barbara Koontz, Financial Advisor, CFS*, Thursday, July 25, noon to 1 p.m., OSU Corvallis Campus, MU212. RSVP to investmentseminars@mapscu.com.

CMLC Cooking Class: Mexican Salsas with Maria & Nena
Join the CMLC kitchen to learn how to make authentic Mexican salsas. $10. Space is limited. Thursday, July 25, 1:30-3 p.m., Corvallis Multicultural Literacy Center, 2638 NW Jackson Ave. Reserve your spot by contacting info@cmlcenter.org

Sensory Sensitive Movies at the Northern Lights Theatre
Sensory Sensitive Showings are designed specifically for customers with autism and other special sensory needs. The volume is turned down and the lights are turned up. There will be no previews or ads before the movie. During the movie, you may get up and walk around, dance, sing, clap, and shout—without being a disruption. Next showing is Saturday, July 27, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. At the Northern Lights Theatre in Salem, OR.

2019 Obon Festival

Join the Japanese American Association of Lane County for the 2019 Obon Festival at Alton Baker Park in Eugene. Saturday, July 27, 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.

In the News

OSU College of Engineering receives diversity recognition award (LIFE@OSU)
The OSU College of Engineering has been selected to be an “exemplar” recipient of a Bronze Award in the first year of the American Society for Engineering Education Diversity Recognition Program.

Driving while undocumented in Oregon: A family’s hopes for HB 2015 (OPB)
Today, 23 years after that trek through the desert, he and his family still live in the Salem area. Navarro recently graduated with a master’s degree from Oregon State University. His mother manages a restaurant and his father works in a plant nursery. But they’re all still undocumented, which has a big impact on their otherwise ordinary daily routines.

Oregon tackles the veterinary suicide crisis, starting with the stigma (OregonLive)
For a profession filled with high-achievers and perfectionists, it’s easy to see how burnout, anxiety and depression can all play out, said Alex Rowell, a psychologist in the Oregon State University Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine.

Extension in the News

Oregon, Washington Firefighters Assist Alaska As Oregon’s Fire Budget Fizzles
The Corvallis Advocate
The Oregon State University Extension Service will receive $2 million for to map out “at-risk areas” as guidance for as-yet-unapproved forest thinning.
Oregon’s strategic plan for bees creates a buzz
The Register-Guard
″(Oregon) is one of the hot spots for bee biodiversity,” said Andony Melathopoulos, a bee expert with the Oregon State University Extension Service.
The Story Next Door: 4-H fair is a way of life for Fay and Sherm Sallee
Albany Democrat-Herald
Sherm and Fay Sallee are probably the only volunteers so committed to 4-H programs they actually designed their home to include large rooms that allow not one, but two 4-H meetings to be held simultaneously.

July 16, 2019

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In this week’s issue:

Updates: OSU Extension Professional Development Fund

Next Application Deadline — August 1, 2019

The next quarterly deadline for Extension Professional Development Funds is August 1st. Applications that will be considered must be submitted BEFORE the deadline and BEFORE the professional development opportunity.

“Growing the Fund”

Extension faculty and staff may help“GROW the Fund”at any time during the year. Keep the following in mind:

  • The principal of the OSU Extension Professional Development Fund is an endowment.
  • The earnings from the endowment feeds into the current-use-fund.
  • Each quarter, the amount in the current-use-fund pays for the professional development requests selected for funding.
  • The fund supports on average, about 100-160 different professional development opportunities a year.

The two ways individuals may currently contribute throughout the year are:

  • Through payroll deduction (deductions could range from $5.00 a month to any larger amount)
  • Through individual contributions (payable by check or credit card)
  • Either of these types of contributions may be processed on-line through the OSU Foundation at: http://www.osufoundation.org/s/359/foundation/index.aspx?sid=359&gid=34&pgid=4353
  • Contributions may be made to the endowment as you complete the on-line process.Be sure to note the following information when completing the on-line process: 6220-820450 OSU Extension Professional Development Fund.

Professional Development Opportunity: REAL Oregon

The Resource Education and Agricultural Leadership Program for Oregon (REAL Oregon) is accepting applications for their 2019-20 program through July 25.

REAL Oregon is an annual leadership and professional development program that exposes a cross-section of individuals from Oregon’s natural resource communities to the diversity of Oregon’s geography, economy and cultures through a series of five statewide sessions. Program objectives are:

  1. Improve personal leadership skills, enhance self-confidence, and develop agriculture and natural resource awareness.
  2. Encourage a network of leaders to take an active leadership role in community, state, and national issues.
  3. Promote Oregon’s Natural Resources and the development of strong rural communities.
  4. Continue to build a network of informed, trained and motivated rural leaders across Oregon.

Speak with your supervisor if you are interested in applying. If selected, and additional funds are needed to participate, consider applying to the Extension professional development fund.

Communication and connection opportunities

Is there anything about which you are interested, curious, or concerned? Here are some ways to share and ask:

  • Online form to submit questions (Think of this like a virtual comment box.)
  • OSU Extension Slack workspace or informal communication and collaboration
  • Read ConnEXTion weekly, and contribute!
  • O&E blog with First Monday videos (Engage via the comment section!)
  • Outreach & Engagement Quarterly Conversations (Next: August 16, 2019)

Extension Web Update

Are you meeting lots of people while exhibiting at the county fairs or tabling at the farmer’s markets this summer? If you give them Extension’s website to learn more, then you’ll want to create a welcoming place for them to land.

This week’s blog post shows you some new designs that you can easily apply to your program pages. Check out some of the fabulous program page examples, and watch the short training videos to walk you through how to make changes.

Diversity Highlights

Please contact analu.fonseca@oregonstate.edu with any questions, and if you have suggestions for content to include in Diversity Highlights.

Statewide Events & Resources

Free art exhibit: Traditional Chinese Painting and Calligraphy

Now through August 12, Mondays and Wednesdays, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the OSU Corvallis Campus Asian & Pacific Cultural Center.

Buried Hxstories for BIPOC Youth
A new monthly series at the PDX People’s Food Co-op this Summer! Every third Wednesday of the month (6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.), Buried Hxstories for BIPOC youth brings kid-friendly lessons on ancestral wisdom of Black or African, Indigenous or Native, and Non-Black People of Color.

Speed Friending Event with INTO OSU Mexican Teaching Group is seeking OSU and Community members to participate in brief five-minute conversations with a group of 15 Mexican educators on Monday, July 22 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Corvallis Campus Valley Library, Willamette East/West Room (Valley 3622). Register here.

Huerto de la Familia & The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art
Saturday, July 20, 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum in Eugene. Hosted by the Latino Professionals Connect network.

In the News

‘Here It Goes’: Coming Out to Your Doctor in Rural America (Valley Public Radio)
A poll conducted by NPR, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health finds that 18 percent of all LGBTQ Americans refrain from seeing a physician for fear of discrimination.

Dorm Design Affects Student Outcomes, Especially for African Americans (Insight Into Diversity)
A new study, published in the Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice, examines whether residence hall design affects new student academic outcomes.

Yale Was a Boys’ Club For Centuries. Then the First Women Came Along. (Chronicle of Higher Edu)
As Anne Gardiner Perkins explains in her forthcoming book, Yale Needs Women: How the First Group of Girls Rewrote the Rules of an Ivy League Giant, those women had to cope with a culture that tended to view them less as fellow leaders-to-be and more as campus curiosities. “Institutions do not slough off their history so easily,” she writes.

Extension in the News

Cash Crop
The Mail Tribune
“With cannabis, people were concerned about underutilization of land because of the limit on the number of plants,” noted Maud Powell, RVFSN board chair, Applegate farmer and Oregon State University Small Farms extension agent. Underutilization of land puts water rights, soil health and EFU designations at risk and takes land out of agricultural production.

Food preservation hotline open July 15
The Register-Guard
If you’re getting ready to preserve oodles of produce or a fresh catch of fish but want to be sure you’re doing it safely, the Oregon State University Extension Service food preservation hotline is here to help.

July 9, 2019

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In this week’s issue:

Extension Web Update

Happy Birthday to the OSU Extension website, it is now one year old. View the analytics here.

Diversity Highlights

Please contact analu.fonseca@oregonstate.edu with any questions, and if you have suggestions for events or news stories to include in Diversity Highlights.

Statewide Events & Resources

2019 Marcellus Norwest Memorial Veterans Powwow
Friday, July 12 – Sunday, July 14 at the Uyxat Powwow Grounds. Hosted by the The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde.

OSU International Faculty and Scholar Coffee Social
Friday, July 12 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Corvallis Multicultural Literacy Center. Sponsored by OSU Folk Club, Crossroads International, and OSU Office of International Services.

Huerto de la Familia & The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art
Saturday, July 20, 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum. Hosted by the Latino Professionals Connect network.

Immigrant Stories
July 31, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM at the Eugene Downtown Library. Hear local stories with Integration Network for Immigrants of Lane County.

In the News

After a year of close calls, last-minute bailouts, Special Olympics of Oregon survives financial crisis (Oregonian)
The crowds were vocal, often hostile, and furious that the competitions had been canceled. The Special Olympics competition was for many athletes the highlight of their year. Audience attitudes didn’t get any better when Oase and Hanken warned them that additional events would also be canceled. Ed Ray, Oregon State University president and a Special Olympics of Oregon director, called it “the disappointment tour.”

Software gender bias (Think Out Loud)

Computer scientists at Oregon State University say they have a solution for something most people don’t even know is a problem: gender bias in software. They say most software is more tailored for men.

Evolution of U.S. foreign policy (CSPAN)

Historians explored various themes that have shaped U.S. foreign policy. Topics included relations with Native Americas during colonial times, the exporting of concepts like “progress” and “civilization” in the 20th century, and the lack of diversity in thought among U.S. policymakers during the Cold War. This discussion was part of a conference hosted by Oregon State University.

Study: Combat vets more likely to have later mental health issues (KTVZ)

Military veterans exposed to combat were more likely to exhibit signs of depression and anxiety in later life than veterans who had not seen combat, a new study from Oregon State University shows. (see also Science Daily)

Extension in the News

Exchange Programs Think Beyond Urban vs. Rural
Stateline
Since the clash, the 4-H program at Oregon State University has been taking Portland middle school students to eastern Oregon to experience rural life.

Check out the fair this week
Newport News-Times
This will be the fifth year that the management of the county fair has been under the oversight of the Oregon State University Lincoln County Extension Service.

Oregon man goes viral after he plays the saxophone for a herd of cows
The Oregonian
Jenifer Cruickshank, a dairy specialist at Oregon State University, said it’s less about the music and more about the novelty of the scenario that got them to approach Herrmann.

July 2, 2019

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In this week’s issue:

Bright Spots

Quiet week this week for many, with lots of vacations. Enjoy your 4th of July holiday!

Communication and connection opportunities

Is there anything about which you are interested, curious, or concerned? Here are some ways to share and ask:

  • Online form to submit questions (Think of this like a virtual comment box.)
  • OSU Extension Slack workspace or informal communication and collaboration
  • Read ConnEXTion weekly, and contribute!
  • O&E blog with First Monday videos (Engage via the comment section!)
  • Outreach & Engagement Quarterly Conversations (Next: August 16, 2019)

Hey, did you see this?

A handful of EESC communicators attended the Association for Communication Excellence Annual Conference last week and heard teacher, author, coach, speaker Ali Goljahmofrad. Here’s his TEDx-Idaho Falls talk about happiness: https://youtu.be/DYAacAWS7Dg

Extension Web Update

This week’s Navigator blog post looks at “8 ways to freshen up your newsletters” with ideas from a sampling of the Extension newsletters produced across the state.

Diversity Highlights

Please contact analu.fonseca@oregonstate.edu with any questions, and if you have suggestions for content to include in Diversity Highlights.

REGISTER TODAY: Search Advocate Workshop: July 9 & 10

The OSU Search Advocate program prepares employees to serve as external process-focused representatives on OSU search committees. The advocate asks questions and suggests practices that interrupt implicit bias and advance equity, validity, and diversity/inclusive excellence in our OSU employee searches. Initial preparation consists of a two-day workshop series and there are still openings for next week’s workshop! Register athttp://oregonstate.edu/training/course_list.php?cat_id=45 ; registration for next week closes on Wednesday July 3.

Statewide Events & Resources

Native Seed Collection at Rogue River Preserve
Wednesday, July 3 from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.  Join Rogue Native Plant Partnership and Southern Oregon Land Conservancy for a seed collection volunteer work party at Rogue River Preserve outside of Eagle Point, OR.

2019 Marcellus Norwest Memorial Veterans Powwow
Friday, July 12 – Sunday, July 14 at the Uyxat Powwow Grounds. Hosted by the The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde.

OSU International Faculty and Scholar Coffee Social
Friday, July 12 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Corvallis Multicultural Literacy Center. Sponsored by OSU Folk Club, Crossroads International, and OSU Office of International Services.

100 & Change funding opportunity from the MacArthur Foundation
100 & Change is a MacArthur Foundation competition for a $100 million grant to fund a single proposal that will make measurable progress toward solving a significant problem. Proposals focused on any critical issue are welcome. https://www.100andchange.org/. A 100&Change Organization Readiness Tool is available here: http://blogs.oregonstate.edu/researchdevelopment/files/2019/06/100Change-Organization-Readiness-Tool.pdf. Questions, email research.develoment@oregonstate.edu.

In the News

New learning center opens the door to industry child care in Boardman (East Oregonian)
According to a study out of Oregon State University earlier this year, just 16% of children between the ages of 3 and 5 have access to regulated care in Morrow County.

Deschutes County sees rise in minimum wage (Bend Bulletin)
In Deschutes County, the minimum wage will rise from $10.75 per hour to $11.25 per hour. In the Portland metro area, the minimum wage will be $12.50 per hour. In rural counties, including Crook and Jefferson, it will be $11 per hour.

Diversity Is Central to This Research Program. How Does Yours Compare? (Chronicle of Higher Edu)
Beyond ensuring fairness in scientific work force representation, recruiting and retaining a diverse set of minds and approaches is vital to harnessing the complete intellectual capital of the nation.

Extension in the News

4-H instructor gives out free chain covers for fire season
KTVL
Ruth Dixon, Curry County 4-H Educational Assistant under Oregon State University’s extension program, received covers for chains at a training she went to. The covers are used for chains you may use to attach to your vehicle to haul different things.

New PE program helps schools meet state standards
Clackamas Review
Kathy Gunter, associate professor with the Oregon State University Extension Service, stepped in to create a classroom-based physical activity program called, “Be Physically Active 2DAY!” or BEPA. BEPA aligns with Oregon health and physical education standards.