Chris Austin, NCCESA 2nd Vice President and I attended South Carolina's annual meeting in April which was held at the Dillard House in Dillard, Georgia. (Yes, you heard right). Some highlights include workshops on stress, civil rights, and home and garden. Would you believe that they have approximately 100 members and half of the membership is retirees? Would you believe that a lot of offices have only 2-3 staff persons, most of which are area agents? Would you believe they experienced a budget cut of 41% last year? You would never know it by their words, actions, and smiles. They had a very nice, educational, and enjoyable annual meeting counting their blessings, not dwelling on their set-backs due to the budget crunch. We can learn a lesson from them and be thankful for having each other not only as co-workers, but as friends. We should commend our administration for looking ahead and being able to weather the financial storm as well as they have done.
Regina O'Pharrow, NCCESA Vice President and I attended Alabama's state meeting in May which was held in Andalusia, Alabama. Our days and nights were filled with fun, educational workshops. We attended a gourd painting class, toured the Solon Dixon Forestry Center, and had a motivating workshop entitled, "Celebrating Our Differences!". Both South Carolina and Alabama made us feel at home in every way and I know you will show them North Carolina hospitality if their budget allows them the opportunity to attend our annual meeting.
I hope everyone is enjoying their summer and I look forward to seeing you in Hickory in September.
Melanie Chevalier
The following received awards from the Campus Chapter:
Vicki Pettit, Administration
Secretary of the Year Award
Mona Rodgers, 4-H Youth Development
CALS Award for Excellence
Charlotte Simpson, Communication Services
2003 NCCE Service Foundation Search for Excellence Award
The following graduated from the 2003 Pathways Leadership Development Program May 20, 2004:
Mary Cox, NW District Director's Office
Karla Frizzelle, Agriculture & Nautral Resources, Community & Rural Development
Mary Ann Lofgren, Personal and Organizational Development
Congratulations ladies!
2004 Sue Mills Light House Award Award Summary Information
Guidelines
Award Nomination Form
Beginning in 2004 The Sue Mills Lighthouse Award will be presented annually by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Secretaries Association. The award is funded via memorial funds held by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Foundation and is dedicated to the memory of Sue A. Mills.
The person being nominated must be a member of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Secretaries Association.
Recipient will receive a Lighthouse, a certificate and a check in the amount of $100.
Selection criteria will focus on how well the nominee is portrayed as possessing leadership qualities and enthusiasm related to their career in NC Cooperative Extension and zest for life - qualities we all admired in Sue. You may include other qualities you want us to know about your nominee.
In 2004 the selection committee will be the members of the original Sue Mills Memorial Fund Committee: Janet Mabry, Chairman; Melanie Chevalier, Regina O'Pharrow, Janice Dotson, Chris Austin, Devona Beard, Brenda Conway, Ginger McGhee; Christine Barrier, and a representative from the NC Cooperative Extension Foundation. Thereafter, the selection committee will be comprised of NCCESA district association presidents, NCCEF representative and will be chaired by the state association president.
Deadline to apply for this award is 5 p.m. on August 1. Late submissions will not be considered.
Nominating & procedure information will be added to the NCCESA website.
North Central District
Cheryl Tripp, Extension Secretary volunteered to help answer telephones for the UNC-TV Festival on March 24th. North Carolina Cooperative Extension and UNC-TV have a long-standing and unique partnership. Thank you Cheryl for representing Halifax County.
Vicky Merritt, Administrative Secretary received the Pride of the Wolfpack Award in recognition of and appreciation for her contribution to North Carolina State University. "I am so honored to have been selected for this award and would like to thank my co-workers for all the support they have shown me." Congratulations!
South Central District
Devona Beard was the winner of the $500 in professional development funds from a drawing comprised of the 2003 Pride of the Wolfpack recipients. Ms. Devona Beard, Secretary in the Bladen County CooperaitveExtension office was the recipient of this award level. Devona's name was selected from among those 20 drawn from the 2003 winners who received the tier two level awards, their choice of a college shirt. These winners were recognized as a part of the College Awards luncheon held April 7 at the University Club
Also, Devona Beard has been selected to participate in the Pathways Leadership Development Program 2004-2005. The Development Program, is a year-long leadership development program that links professional development to university business needs. Pathways is designed to increase the skills to follow the five fundamental practices of leadership: to effectively challenge processes, to inspire a shared vision, to enable others act, to model leadership behaviors, and to encourage the heart of others.
Susan Graham, Chatham County Administrative Secretary, is Staff Senate Representative from District 14 and describes the Staff Senate for those unfamiliar with what they do:
The North Carolina State University Staff Senate is an advisory body to the University Chancellor. In fulfilling this role, the Senate:
The Staff Senate produces a quarterly newsletter, The Voice, which is distributed to SPA staff.. This year Laura Massengil, Chair Elect, (Soil Science) has designated a Staff Senator/Alternate for each Extension district to promote timely communication between the Staff Senate and constituents.
The 2003-2004 Staff Senate is very receptive to issues presented to them by Extension staff. Some issues currently being discussed that directly affect county employees include WolfPerks from local businesses, computer loan program, textbook loan program, and campus ID's for county staff.
Press releases and minutes from past meetings are posted on the Staff Senate website. There is also a directory of all Staff Senators and Alternates. Please visit the website, http://www.ncsu.edu/staff_senate/ for more information. And please contact a Staff Senate member at any time you have a concern or issue you would like presented to the Senate.
Southeast District
Regina O'Pharrow, Secretary in the Jones County Extension Center, was presented a Pride of The Wolfpack Award on April 7, 2004. O'Pharrow was presented the award by Harvey Lineberry, II, Assistant Dean for Personnel during the annual College of Agriculture & Life Sciences' Recognition Luncheon at the University Club.
Jo Strobush, Secretary in the New Hanover County Extension Office also received a Wolfpack Award dated January 29, 2004.
Congratulations to both of these ladies.
Cynthia Potter, Administrative Secretary, Duplin County Extension Center, retired June 1, 2004 with 30 years of service. Potter has been active in the district and state NCCESA association and has held all offices at both levels. Potter has accepted a new position at Mount Olive College where she will be assisting in the Planned Giving Office.
Updated: June 30, 2004
Last revised on 7/29/2004.