Communique 2000 - University of Nevada Cooperative Extension ...

Dean's Message
By Karen Hinton, Dean and Director
A New Year -- A New Office
The holiday season is often a time for assessing the past
and preparing for the future. During the holidays, I
found myself in the middle of boxes of accumulated
treasure -- otherwise known as junk that moves from
one house to the next and remains permanently in boxes
-- and assessing what stays and what goes. During my
trek down memory lane, I came upon a card that I
picked up at my bank when I originally moved to
Nevada and set up an account. The name of the bank
has gone through many changes, as is the case with just
about any banking institution around the country, and
I'm not quite sure why I kept the card; but, the message
is still appropriate and reflects the author's positive
approach to life.
It's appropriate that the Dean's Office is starting off
the new year in a new location -- yes, we're finally
there. At the beginning of December, we moved
into a suite of offices located in the west wing of
the National Judicial College. The conference
room is still under renovation, but should be ready
for use in the near future. Our office is adjacent to
ample parking and located directly east of the new
parking garage. The new Student Services
Building is being constructed to the west and the
new Education Building is next door. I'd like to
extend a personal invitation to each of you to stop
by and visit our new office.
"Whatever we vividly imagine, ardently desire, sincerely believe and enthusiastically act
upon...must inevitably come to pass!"
I can't think of a better New Year's wish than to hope that each of you has a year that is filled with the same
kind of enthusiasm, zest and optimism expressed in these words. Best wishes for a productive, healthy and
happy year in 2000!

Get ready now for end of the fiscal year!
By Greg Wilson, Finance and Administrative Specialist
It's hard to believe, but people in the fiscal business are already gearing up for year-end. As in the past several
years, they will not be able to offload expenses into state funds in the last two months of this fiscal year.
What this means is that all spending decisions for state funds must be made by April 15. Extension state funds
are in the accounts with 1107 numbers. You must have your state funds spent, committed or encumbered
by April 15. If there is an amount not spent or encumbered by that date, Greg Wilson will need a detailed plan
of how any balance is committed. Any funds not committed by that date would be subject to redistribution to
other priorities.
In planning your year-end spending, please remember that state funds cannot be used for hosting or out-of-state
travel. Additionally this year, they may not be used to purchase an item or any part of an item with a unit cost of
$2,000 or more (capital equipment).
Look at the balances of your state accounts because you have just a little more than three months to spend those
funds.
4-H Events and Activities
National organization revitalized in Nevada
The Nevada chapter of the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents held a meeting following the
Statewide Conference. Attending were Karen Hinton, Mike Havercamp, Don Breazeale, Don Holloway, Susan
Warren, Sarah Chvilicek, Molly Latham, Eric Killian, Pete Mangum and Maureen Opperman. Chapter
President Jill Baker-Tingey presided.
The group discussed membership recruitment efforts. With so many exciting developments in Nevada 4-H
programs, it was felt the chapter should make new memberships attractive. As a result, the new membership
dues fee of $55 has been reduced to only $25 for the year 2000. This low rate includes membership in both the
national association and state chapter. Renewing memberships are $70.
The benefits of belonging to the association include: professional development, networking, program
achievement and recognition opportunities, the "News and Views" publication and the National 4-H
Conference. The association is open to all Extension faculty and staff who work in youth development; their
programs do not have to be specifically tied to 4-H for them to join the association and reap the benefits.
Anyone interested may contact Susan Warren.
Officers were elected and committee chairs selected as follows: Marianne Papa, President; Pete Mangum, Vice
President/President Elect; Jackie Reilly, Secretary; Susan Warren, Treasurer; Sarah Chvilicek, Diversity; Don
Holloway, Member Recognition; Marilyn Smith, "News & Views;" Pete Mangum, Policy & Resolutions; Eric
Killian, Professional Development; Jill Baker-Tingey, Programs; Molly Latham, Public Relations &
Information.
The National 4-H Conference will be held in Denver, Nov. 5-9. Members are strongly urged to attend this
conference since it is close enough to Nevada for easy travel.

Sheepman's Update set for two locations in February
The Sheepman's Update is a great opportunity for 4-H members to learn about the birthing process, farm flock
health tips, management for profit, showing sheep successfully, body condition scoring, wool quality and
problem solving. Programs will be held Feb. 5 at the Huckins Ranch in Lamoille, and Feb. 12 at the Yerington
Fairgrounds. Participating from Extension are Sue Hoffman, Ron Torell, Loretta Singletary, Hudson Glimp,
Ben Bruce and Bill Kvasnicka. Don Hanks and Dale Holcombe will participate from the College of Agriculture.
2000 4-H Agriculture Tour takes in Reno events
This year's 4-H ag tour, set for Feb. 19-21, includes a stop at the university's Main Station Farm in Sparks, an
animal selection, feeding and health class for beef, sheep and swine at the university's Vet Medicine School, and
a hands-on fitting and showing clinic at the Reno Livestock Events Center taught by show professionals from
throughout the West. For more information, contact Sue Hoffman or Ron Torell.
Successful 4-H Beef Clinic held in southern Nevada in December
Ron Torell ventured south to give a 4-H clinic in Northeast Clark County, Dec. 11. He gave a slide presentation
on the selection and feeding of beef market animals to 4-H'ers, parents and leaders. "Ron was very informative
and helpful, and our southern area members learned a lot from the clinic," said Brenda Cloud, Northeast Clark
County 4-H program coordinator. She hopes more such programs involving Extension specialists can be
offered.
Personnel Features
Nancy Maslach is new Extension Educator in Tonopah
Nancy Maslach, a longtime resident of central Nevada, was a family, community and leadership program
assistant in the Tonopah office several years ago. She liked it so well she returned to fill an interim appointment
as part-time Extension educator in northern Nye County, October 1999 through June 2000.
Nancy is busy identifying and prioritizing program needs, focusing on volunteers, assessing the needs of
ranchers and farmers, keeping the media advised on Extension programming, and organizing a search
committee for a full-time Extension educator position.
"I'm proud to be a part of Extension during this interim period, as it is the finest example of university
outreach," says Nancy. "There's no one who can fill the void of a strong 4-H program, which is vital to rural
areas. I welcome the challenges and choices before me, and am most grateful for all the encouragement and
support I've received from Extension across the state. This indeed is what makes it extraordinary and great."
Nancy is completing her sociology degree while continuing as site manager for CCSN's northern Nye and
Esmeralda campus and owner of Apace Paralegal Services. She worked with NDI and the Nye County School
District for many years. The mother of three and grandmother of four is an active member of community
organizations, including the Tonopah Library District, Tonopah Employment Atmosphere Motivation working
group and Pioneer Territory.
Welcome aboard, Nancy -- it's great to have your vivacious and enthusiastic contributions!

Program Kudos
Pat Behal receives financial management certification
Pat Behal, Western Area family resource management specialist, has been certified as an accredited financial
counselor by the Institute for Personal Finance. The AFC certification represents the highest designation in the
field of financial counseling.
Financial workshops offered to ranchers
Hands-on financial records workshops will be held for ranchers and farmers, Jan. 18-20 in Fallon, and Mar. 7-9
in Elko. "Farm Financial Records 101" explains the fundamentals of accounting, how to create and maintain
budgets, cash flow statements, balance sheets and income statements. For further information, contact Gordon
Myer or Willie Riggs.
Educators awarded grant for "Fun to Play" training
Western Area educators Dan Weigel and Marilyn Morton were awarded a university instructional enhancement
grant, in the amount of $2,250, for development of an innovative train-the-trainer teaching method for high-risk
students in the "Fun To Play" program.
Invasive weed education spreads to southern Nevada
A two-day invasive weed workshop will be held Feb. 8-9 at the Best Western North Shore Inn in Overton. Past
Extension weed programs have focused on Nevada's northern and central areas; however, recent needs
assessments in East Clark and Lincoln Counties reveal that citizens have an interest and concern about the
invaders. Contacts with government agencies confirmed the need for coordinated educational efforts.
The workshop will present an overview of weed management efforts, as well as issues and problems with
specific weeds. "This workshop presents an opportunity to network, see what needs to be done and set up action
steps," says Alice Crites, Southern Area specialist. "The more people we can get involved, the more we can
accomplish on this issue." Extension faculty Bob Wilson, Wayne Johnson and Mark Eiswerth will share their
expertise, along with College of Agriculture faculty and representatives from local and state agencies. For more
information, contact Crites or Don Holloway.
Weather stations use high technology to help conserve water
Bill Carlos, Western Area horticulturist, was named manager of a $26,000 project funded by the Washoe
County Regional Water Planning Commission for three weather stations that will collect and report ET
(evapotranspiration) rates. The stations are being installed at the university's Valley Road Experiment Station,
Sierra Sage Golf Course and Washoe County Golf Course. This first-ever project in northern Nevada will
replace the old method of reporting daily ET rates in the newspaper. Weather and other data is downloaded
from a data logger via cell phone to a PC at the Desert Research Institute. The ET rates will be available on-line
on DRI, Extension and College of Agriculture web sites.
When homeowners and managers of large urban landscapes use ET rates with their irrigation systems, they can
experience a 40 percent water savings without sacrificing or removing any of the landscape. This project, and
others in the Western Area, was featured in a front-page spread in the Reno Gazette-Journal Style section, Jan.
9, focusing on Extension programs.

New Hires:
Personnel Changes
Stefanie Alegre Management Ass't. II Central Area 11/99
Imelda Espejo Computer Network Tech Trainee--Con't. So. Area 12/99
Timothy Grady Instructor--LOA, Project Magic NE Area 11/99
Zannetta Hanks Instructor--LOA, Project Magic NE Area 11/99
Lori Leas Program Ass't. III So. Area 1/00
Linsay Oakden Student Worker Central 11/99
Kyle Prior Instructor--LOA, Project Magic No. Area 10/99
Employees Receiving Transfers and Promotions:
Emily Beza Program Ass't. III So. Area 7/99
Don Emerson Computer Network Tech II So. Area 12/99
Karen Sue Lewis Management Ass't. II Admin., Las Vegas 10/99
Anita Prince Personnel Tech II Admin., Las Vegas 10/99
Jane Strickland Administrative Aide promoted to Program Assistant II So. Area 12/99
Sandra Tate Management Ass't. III, Admin. So. Area 12/99
Jill Ukeiley Administrative Resources Specialist So. Area 9/99
Employees Leaving Extension:
Sonya Greene Communications/Public Relations Specialist So. Area 3/00
Marilyn Shipley Teaching Ass't. I West. Area 10/99
Rowena Sinclair-Long Instructor, CYF NE Area 12/99
Brenda Swann Teaching Ass't. II, CYF So. Area 12/99

Dean's Message
Active participation is key tenet in Cooperative Extension
By Karen Hinton, Dean and Director
Cooperative Extension has a history of valuing input. We have often acted as a catalyst for individuals to
express their views in community forums, and have taught citizen involvement skills in programs such as
Family Community Leadership. Plans are underway to provide an opportunity for input from our external
stakeholders. This summer, Cooperative Extension will be conducting a series of listening sessions around the
state. This process is in the planning stages, and is being scheduled for implementation this June in several rural
and urban communities. These sessions will allow us to hear from program participants and community leaders
regarding educational needs in their communities.
This same value of participation is embraced by Cooperative Extension as we also consider internal issues in
our organization. Structures, such as the Extension Governing Board, have been designed for all employees to
have an opportunity for their voice to be heard and to share their views on important issues. The composition of
the EGB is such that it provides representation for all employees through its elected and designated members.
Below is a list of current EGB members, who they represent and the expiration date for their board term:
• Board Selection (Blanca Delgado) 12/31/01
• Central/Northeast Area Director (Jerry Buk) perpetual
• Central/Northeast Faculty Representative (Roby Kettle) 12/31/00
• Central/Northeast Non-faculty Rep (Susan Warren) 12/31/01
• Dean and Director (Karen Hinton) perpetual
• Member At Large (Molly Latham) 12/31/00
• Southern Area Director (Dixie Allsbrook) perpetual
• Southern Area Faculty Representative (Don Holloway) 12/31/01
• Southern Area Non-faculty Representative (Brenda Cloud) 12/31/00
• Southern Area Non-faculty Representative (Willie Dougherty) 12/31/01
• Western Area Director (Dick Post) perpetual
• Western Area Faculty Representative (John Cobourn) 12/31/01
• Western Area Non-faculty Representative (Sarah Chvilicek) 12/31/00
• State Specialist (Mark Walker) 12/31/01
During the third week of March, Cooperative Extension employees will have a unique opportunity to share their
views on a broad range of organizational issues - from human resources to programmatic considerations. Mike
Havercamp provides the leadership for a series of focus groups which will build the framework for an internal
needs assessment slated to be conducted later this spring (see the focus group schedule below). This assessment
will take the form of a written survey in which all employees will have an opportunity to participate.
I encourage each of you to take part in these opportunities for sharing input and for making each process one
that gathers a variety of ideas and supports informed decision making.

How to complete and process Independent Contractor forms
By Greg Wilson, Finance and Administration Specialist
Background:
There have been some changes over the years in how we deal with independent contractors. Those of you who
have been around for many years may remember the independent contractor form we used some three to five
years ago. Several years ago that form was eliminated, and we simply used a purchase requisition to enter into a
contract with an independent contractor.
Subsequent to all of this, the IRS conducted an audit of the university. As part of that audit they looked at our
independent contractors. Apparently the IRS found many discrepancies in the way we were handling
independent contractors. As a result of this audit, the university was forced to implement a more complete way
of contracting with independent contractors. The following is a summary of the new independent contractor
forms and how they are processed:
New forms:
We now have two new forms that must be used when contracting with independent contractors. If you are
hiring an independent contractor, you must use one of these two forms.
The shorter and easier three-page form is used for contracting with a guest speaker. This form can only be used
once for any individual. The amount to be paid using this form must be $2,000 or less, including the cost of
lodging and meal per diem. The third and last page of this form is usually a W-9 for U.S. citizens or a W-8 for
foreign nationals.
The form used most often is a five-page form. This form includes 19 questions that must be answered to help
determine if the individual being hired is indeed an independent contractor, or if they should be hired as an
employee. This form also includes the section where you describe the work to be performed by the independent
contractor. You also need to specify the payments to be made and the terms of those payments. The fifth and
last page of this form is usually a W-9 for U.S. citizens or a W-8 for foreign nationals. Both the three-page and
the five-page form must include the account to be charged. They both also need to be signed by the independent
contractor and by the person with signature authority over the account to which this contract will be charged.
Form processing:
For both forms, after they are prepared and signed they should be forwarded to your Area Director/Department
Chair. The forms will then be sent to the statewide Administrative Office for review. If everything is in order,
the forms will then be sent to Accounts Payable for processing. If Accounts Payable agrees the individual is an
independent contractor, they will return an approved copy of the contract to the person doing the hiring.
A word of caution:
If it turns out the person you want to hire is not an independent contractor, then we will need to hire them
perhaps as an LOA or a casual laborer. Clearly it is important that you not let the independent contractor begin
work until you have the approved form returned to you. This is important because you do not want to be put in
the position of having someone start as an independent contractor, and then find out you need to hire him or her
as an employee. If you are then forced to hire them as an employee, they will not be paid for their work until all
their paperwork is approved and processed.

4-H Events and Activities
4-H website under development
A Nevada 4-H website is being developed by Sue Hoffman, Alice Good, Susan Sawatzky and a 4-H member. It
will be linked directly to the statewide site home page, and will include information on 4-H personnel,
programs and projects, "quick facts," events (with some enrollment forms), ambassadors and leaders. You will
be advised when the site is on-line.
Successful Fitting and Showing Clinic held
More than 400 4-H and FFA members attended a Fitting and Showing Clinic at the Reno Livestock Events
Center, Feb. 20, reports Sue Hoffman. A lot of good comments were heard from the participants, who came
from throughout Nevada to learn how to show sheep, swine and beef. The workshop was funded by a grant
from the Nevada Agricultural Foundation.
Personnel Features
Ben Bruce receives tenure
When Ben Bruce arrived in Nevada nearly six years ago, he said that coming to this state was like coming
home. He was referring to the Great Basin-type vegetation he was used to in New Mexico. This year, Ben
received tenure from the university, officially making Nevada his permanent home.
As a state Extension livestock specialist in the School of Veterinary Medicine, Ben has conducted educational
programming as well as livestock research. He provides Extension personnel and livestock producers with
information, curricula and production techniques appropriate to Nevada and the West.
Ben has spent more than 20 years as a livestock scientist and educator in four western states. He holds a
doctorate in range animal science from New Mexico State. Ben taught agriculture at the University of Hawaii,
was an Extension livestock specialist in South Dakota, and a beef cattle researcher at the University of Alaska.
Congratulations, Ben, for receiving tenure!
Katie Perkins helps you get the word out
Katie Perkins, a senior journalism student at the University of Nevada, Reno, began work as an intern in the
Campus Administrative Office in late January. She assists Alice Good with communications, public relations
and media relations in the rural communities and on statewide projects. "I'm excited to be a member of the
Cooperative Extension team," said Katie. "This is a wonderful opportunity for me to learn about a great
organization, while at the same time acquiring hands-on experience working in the communications and public
relations field."
Katie can help you with news releases, PSAs, newspaper columns, newsletters and other communication pieces
and projects. Katie is a good writer, and has a real 'can do' attitude," said Good. "She's helping to enhance our
image and communications with our constituents."
If you need help promoting educational workshops, events and activities, contact Katie, preferably a month in
advance, at (775) 784-7070.

Joyce Woodson receives promotion to Associate Professor
Joyce Woodson was recently promoted to Rank III, Associate Professor. She joined University of Nevada
Cooperative Extension in January, 1991. Prior to coming to Nevada, she had extensive experience as a public
health nutritionist in Maine and Missouri, and as an expanded food and nutrition education program (EFNEP)
specialist in Missouri and Illinois.
Joyce worked in Reno at the Washoe County Office for a year, and then transferred to the Clark County Office
in 1992. She accepted responsibility for EFNEP, a federal program providing nutrition education to lowincome
families. During her tenure in Las Vegas, Joyce broadened EFNEP's scope, using Clark County
resources to add financial management to the program.
Joyce began a Faith Community Outreach program in 1996, focusing on reducing the incidence of chronic
disease. She created a coalition of grassroots organizations, health related-agencies and groups known as
Community Partners for Better Health. They work with the faith community to strengthen the ability of African
Americans to better care for their health.
Congratulations, Joyce, on a well-deserved promotion!
Web Watch - Check out new sections on Extension web sites!
Small Ranch Water Quality news articles have been added to the Western Area web site
News Release section has been added to the Western Area web site
Program Kudos
Mark your calendars for annual conference 2000
All Extension employees are invited to the "Teamwork and Customer Service" Statewide Conference 2000,
Sept. 27-29, on the UNR Campus. Mark your calendars today!
Apply now for association meeting funds
All interested faculty and paraprofessionals are eligible to apply for the Marie Morgan Professional
Development Scholarship. It provides $110 for seven people to participate in regional or national Extension
association meetings. This is a great opportunity to fund your professional development.
The fund was founded in memory of Marie Morgan, Extension Home Economist in Washoe County. Active in
Extension association meetings, Morgan also remained an active Extension volunteer even after retirement.
Funding will be on a first-come, first-served basis, so send in your applications now.
Economic development training set
Buddy Borden is hosting a statewide conference for all faculty involved with and interested in economic
development, Tuesday, March 21 on the UNR campus. For information, contact him at (702) 222-3130, or
bordenb@unce.unr.edu.

Federal RFPs coming up soon
Notices of Federal grants 401 and 406 are due out in March. A grantsmanship workshop is anticipated
sometime in March. More information will be forwarded to you by email.
Section 406 provides funding for integrated research, education and Extension. There has been an indication
these funds might be released as three separate RFPs - water quality, food safety, and pesticide and crop
programs. Section 401 targets: agricultural genomics; food safety, food technology and human nutrition; new
and alternative uses and production of agriculture; agricultural biotechnology; natural resource management,
including precision agriculture; and farm efficiency and profitability. Multi-state collaboration is part of the
grant criteria. The anticipated deadlines for grant applications are around the beginning of May.
Administration will keep you updated as more information is made available. In the meantime, you might want
to log on to www.reeusda.gov/ifafs.
Fire Ant project lauded by Gov. Guinn
Nevada Gov. Kenny Guinn praised the joint Cooperative Extension/State Department of Agriculture Fire Ant
project in his address to the National Governors Conference, in late February. He handed out the news
conference media packets, developed by Alice Good and Sonya Greene. At the request of the Legislature,
Extension launched a public-education campaign in June 1999 to alert Las Vegas residents of the fire ant threat
after a homeowner was severely bitten earlier in the year.
Focus groups give Extension employees chance for input
Mike Havercamp will be conducting employee focus groups in various locations across the state in March.
They are the first step in developing an organizational needs assessment. Ten participants are the maximum per
group, and sign-ups will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. By participating, you'll have the
opportunity to identify a broad base of organizational needs and resources pertaining to Extension. This
information will be compiled into a written questionnaire and distributed to all faculty this spring. Don't miss
this opportunity to give us your opinions! Focus groups will be conducted as follows:
Monday, March 13, 9:15 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. -Las Vegas, contact Charlotte Youngs, (702) 222-3130
Tuesday March 14, 9:15 a.m. and 11 a.m. -Las Vegas, contact Charlotte Youngs, (702) 222-3130
Wednesday, March 15, 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. - Reno, contact Ella Chavez, (775) 784-4848
Thursday, March 16:
9 a.m.-- Elko, contact Candi Kevan, (775) 738-7291
12:30 p.m. -- Winnemucca, contact Connie Beck, (775) 623-6304
4 p.m.-- Fallon, contact Pat Whitten, (775) 423-5121
Home Landscaping Guide and Workshops
Call Washoe County Cooperative Extension, 784-4848 for information on the Tahoe Environmental
Landscaping Series 2000.

Project MAGIC adapted to Clark County
Project MAGIC, a program originally designed to detour first-time juvenile offenders in rural areas, has
successfully spread to more ethnically diverse youth in Southern Nevada.
After collaboration with Clark County Family Court Services, Juvenile Court Judges and Masters, an Assistant
District Attorney, probation supervisors and MAGIC coordinator Marilyn Smith, two sites were implemented
in January, and another two began in February.
A MAGIC group at the Center for Independent Living, a transitioning point for youth moving from the Caliente
Center back into the community, has also been implemented. In addition, MAGIC, in collaboration with the
Youth Detention Center, will begin working with child prostitutes. The program is designed to provide
additional skill-building resources for this special population of young women.
It's exciting to see the wide spectrum of collaborations that are magically developing in Clark County. If you're
interested in spreading magic in your community, the curriculum is available for others to review. Contact Pat
Day, (702) 222-3130, or dayp@unce.unr.edu, or Geoffrey Leigh, (702) 222-3130, or leighg@unce.unr.edu.
Take the TAXI to Tonopah for volunteer development training
A TAXI (Taking Anybody into Expanded Involvement) workshop will be held March 7-8 in Tonopah. TAXI
provides workbooks, training guides and assessment tools for nine stages of volunteer system development.
The workshop will help you train volunteers with traditional programs for new audiences, innovative efforts for
existing audiences, and resource development for expanded efforts and partner development. Contact Don
Holloway, (775) 726-3109, for more information.
Tahoe Natural Resource conference to be held in May
The Second National Extension Natural Resources Conference, "Excellence Through Partnerships," will be
held at Harrah's, Stateline, Lake Tahoe, May 16-18. The conference includes sessions on public issues
education, youth education, watershed management, consensus building, innovative technology, targeting
audiences, and more.
"I attended their first conference, and it was the best professional conference I have ever attended," said Sue
Donaldson, steering committee member. To find out more about the conference, log on to www.anrep.org
Following are the Nevada Extension faculty who will be giving talks:
Sue Donaldson, "Weeds and Water Quality: Applying the concept of Triage in the Lake Tahoe Basin"
Steve Lewis, "Compost Your Combustibles-A Wildfire Fuels Recycling Program"
Kent McAdoo, "Nevada Youth Range Camp Tradition, Life on the Range and Education"
Marlene Rebori, "Techniques for Managing Natural Resource Disputes Constructively and Collaboratively"
Loretta Singletary, "Coordinated Management of Noxious Weeds through GIS Mapping, Education and
Public Involvement"
Ed Smith, "Only Ewes Can Prevent Wildfire"
Mark Walker, "Development of a Support Tool and Network for Locally Lead Source Water Protection
Programs"

On the road to tenure…I just can't wait to get on the road to tenure…
"On the Road to Tenure" training will be held March 22-24 on the UNR campus. Topics and presenters are:
"Research Methods," Geoffrey Leigh; "Search Engines," Buddy Borden; "Grant Writing," Steve Rock;
"Extension Grants," Hudson Glimp, Mary Husemoeller and Jerry Best; and "Writing for Publications," Elwood
Miller, Marilyn Smith, Madeleine Sigman-Grant, Dan Weigel, Geoffrey Leigh and Dale Devitt.
UNR Upward Bound Program offered to high school students
Extension county employees may want to spread the word about UNR's Upward Bound program. Collegebound
high school students who come from low-income families, or families where no parent in the home has
earned a four-year college degree, are encouraged to enroll in Upward Bound. The federally funded program is
aimed at helping high school students improve their academic and decision-making skills, gain self-confidence
and prepare for post-secondary education. Upward Bound also offers guidance in how to choose and prepare
for the college that best meets students' needs. For more information, contact Elizabeth Doane, (775) 784-6254,
or doane@unr.edu.
Walker River Basin public forum to be held
The Walker River Basin Advisory Committee is holding a public forum to discuss recent research findings on
basin water issues. It will be held Wednesday, March 8, beginning with lunch at noon, followed by the meeting,
1-4 p.m. at the Mason Valley Country Club in Yerington. For more information, contact Loretta Singletary,
Extension liaison to the WRBAC, (775) 463-6541.
Personnel Changes
New Hires:
Emily Beza Program Ass't. II Southern Area 1/17/00
Constance Beck Administrative Asst. County Employee Central/Northeast Winnemucca 1/7/00
Rodney Davis Area Extension Spec. Master Gardener - LOA Southern Area 1/11/00
Emilia Guenechea Instructor Project Magic Southern Area 1/3/00
Luetta Mann 4-H Camp Director Central Area /1/00
Elwood Miller Professor Special Projects Southern Area 2/1/00
Brent Nault Ground Maintenance 4-H Camp (Emergency Hire) Western Area 12/13/00
Vicki Paul Word Processing Operator II Southern Area 2/16/00
Katie Perkins Student Worker III Campus Admin Office 1/28/00
Tyrone Roberson Instructor Project Magic Southern Area 1/25/00
Octavio Rosario Teaching Ass't. II Southern Area 2/14/00
Lacey Russell Student Worker Campus Admin Office 1/18/00
Elsa Spencer Program Officer I(Emergency Hire) Project Magic Southern Area 1/25/00
Lori Temple Area Specialist Ounce of Prevention Southern Area 2/14/00
Jeffrey Webb Budget Analyst I Emergency Hire Southern Area 1/10/00
Justin Weldon Student Worker Southern Area 1/03/00
Delia Velazquez Management Ass't. I Ounce of Prevention Southern Area 3/13/00
Employees Leaving Extension:
Stefanie Alegre Management Ass't. II Central Area 1/28/00
Elaine Fagin Program Ass't. II Southern Area 12/23/99
Jarodel Moore Temp Aid I So. Area 5/03/00
Diane Seeliger Program Ass't. II Central Area 12/14/99
Carol Turner Budget Analyst Southern Area 1/31/00

Building awareness of Cooperative Extension
By Karen Hinton, Dean and Director
Spring is a time of celebrations on campus, and Cooperative
Extension will be taking part with our own festivities this month.
The Open House for our new Dean and Director's Office will be
held Friday, May 12 from 2 to 4 p.m. This will be a joint venture
with the other entities that share the west wing of the National
Judicial College building with us - the Grant Sawyer Center for
Justice Studies and the Master of Judicial Studies Program. If you
are in Reno that day, please stop by and join in on the festivities.
This summer, we will be printing our annual publication on
Cooperative Extension programs. This year's product will be an
overview of our program areas - health and nutrition, natural
resources, agriculture, community development, horticulture, and
personal and family development. This information should be a
valuable tool to help our publics understand the breadth and depth
of our educational efforts. This publication will be distributed to
our county offices, as well as our colleagues on campus.
Finally, I want to bring you up to date on the efforts of the Image Enhancement Committee. This energetic
group, composed of representatives from all areas and state specialists, has enthusiastically begun to deal
with its charge. The overall mission of this committee is to "develop a consistent image of University of
Nevada Cooperative Extension which increases our name recognition and promotes community awareness of
our organization." The efforts of this group will culminate in a written set of guidelines and suggestions that
will help each of us promote a consistent image to program participants, as well as the general public. This
information should be available by early fall.
4-H Events and Activities
Nevada Junior Livestock Show and Sale held in May
4-H members are getting ready for the 61st Nevada Junior Livestock Show and Sale, May 11-14 at the Reno
Livestock Events Center. Nearly 400 4-H and FFA members will exhibit their livestock projects. Special
features of the show include the Sheep and Beef Fitting Contests, the Jerry Hansen Memorial Average Daily
Gain Contest, and the new scholarship program (see below). Participation is open to all 4-H and FFA members.
Contact Sue Hoffman for more information.

Nevada Junior Livestock Show Board offers new scholarship program
The show board is offering a new scholarship to all high school seniors participating in the Nevada Junior
Livestock Show. The fund was established last year when 4-H members donated their animals to the show
board. The money raised from the donated animals will be awarded this year. Contact Sue Hoffman for more
information.
The Consequences of Paying Salaries from a Non-budgeted Account
By Greg Wilson, Finance and Administration Specialist
This year, many faculty have been surprised that they are required to prepare a self-supporting budget on
accounts that never needed one before. The reason for this is that some type of salary has either been charged or
moved to an account not previously used to pay salary. Unless you need to prepare self-supporting budgets, this
doesn't seem like a very important topic. There are two instances requiring self-supporting budgets, and one of
these can affect anyone's account.
Most of the time we only think of the requirement of preparing a self-supporting budget when expenditures will
exceed $25,000. There is one other instance, however, requiring a self-supporting budget - that is when any
salary is charged to an account. Charging as little as one hour overtime will require a self-supporting budget for
that account in all subsequent years until the account is closed.
The important point to note about this issue is that once an account requires a self-supporting budget in one
year, a self-supporting budget for that account is required for every year thereafter. This means that if you
charged even a very small amount of salary to an account, you will be required to do a self-supporting budget
for that account as long as the account exists.
Based on the above, Greg Wilson's recommendation is that whenever you want to charge any type of salary, use
an account that is already budgeted. There certainly is no problem with preparing a self-supporting budget for
any account you want, but be sure you are not forced to prepare a self-supporting budget for an account for
which that would normally not be necessary.
Personnel Features
Extension faculty to be recognized at "Honor the Best" awards ceremony
Elwood Miller and Sandra Neese (posthumously) will be recognized with the Emeritus Faculty designation,
Wednesday, May 10 at 4 p.m. in the ASUN Auditorium on campus. Emeritus Faculty status is awarded to
faculty members who have made outstanding contributions to the university.
Program Kudos
Annual Conference 2000 Update
Statewide Conference 2000, "Teaming up to Serve our Public," will be held Sept. 27-28, on the UNR campus.
Mark your calendars, and watch for the registration packet to arrive in early July. David Litchford, business
management professor at Utah Valley State College, will be the keynote and capstone speaker. He's a dynamic,
award-winning sales trainer, teacher, author and motivational speaker. Litchford gives more than 150 talks and
workshops each year. You won't want to miss this conference!
Book examines Las Vegas development
The book, Las Vegas: The Social Production of an All-American City, by Claudia Collins, is an urban
sociological examination of community development and the changes occurring in southern Nevada. It provides
a basis for understanding the community as a whole including politics, infrastructure, neighborhoods and the
social, political and economic impact of the burgeoning senior population. The book is published by Blackwell
Publishing, Oxford, UK, 1999, and is available in hardback and paperback editions

Battle plans set for war on tall whitetop weed
The Tall Whitetop Initiative team launches the public-education component of this effort in May. More than
100,000 educational tabloids will be inserted in newspapers throughout the state, May 20. They will provide
information about the invasive weed, the threat it poses to Nevada and invites the public to be on the lookout
and call Extension offices if the weed is spotted. Other outreach materials include displays, various posters,
bookmarks, fact sheets, videos, audio and video PSAs, billboards, fliers and a web site. Team members
managing control and demonstration sites are Jay Davison, Sue Donaldson, Roby Kettle, Steve Lewis, Kent
McAdoo, M.L. Robinson, Loretta Singletary and Bob Wilson. Contact Sue Donaldson, Claudene Wharton or
Alice Good for more information.
Extension introduces new home landscaping guide for Lake Tahoe
Presentation of the Home Landscaping Guide for Lake Tahoe and Vicinity, by John Cobourn as principal
author, will take place May 12 at the Incline Village Library. The popular book is the first comprehensive
manual to help homeowners develop environmentally friendly landscape techniques at the lake. Other team
members who worked on the 150-page book are: Bill Carlos, Ella Chavez, Alice Good, Wayne Johnson, Dick
Post, Jo Anne Skelly, Ed Smith and Claudene Wharton.
Only we can prevent wildfires!
The Governor's Fire Summit will be held at the Peppermill Hotel, May 31-June 1. The summit will review the
devastation of last year's fire season and develop an action plan to mitigate the impacts of future wildfires.
Elwood Miller is conference moderator and a group facilitator. Tom Harris is on a panel, and Ed Smith is giving
a talk. Deadline for registration is May 15.
Learn some new teaching IDEAS at summer seminar
Instructional Development, Effectiveness and Attitude Seminars (IDEAS) will be offered again in July. IDEAS
is a series of seminars designed to enhance program and classroom instruction. Led by Meggin McIntosh, they
will be held July 10-14, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., on campus. To register, contact Meggin on the ETP web site.
Instructional grant money available
The 2000-01 Instructional Enhancement Grants Program provides grants up to several thousand dollars for
projects that promote excellence in instruction and enhance the instructional mission of the university.
Examples include traditional classroom-based modes of instruction, as well as tutoring, electronic distance
education, directing graduate students, advising, on-line instruction, etc. Group projects representing
collaboration among faculty members are encouraged. Applications are due Oct. 2. Contact Meggin McIntosh
for more information.
Learn to use Photoshop software
A beginning Photoshop class will be held June 20 and 22, 9 a.m. to noon, on campus. Facilitated by Diann
Laing, the class will provide an overview of the graphics software, as well as some of its basic operations. To
register, contact Karen Coe-Shirley, coe@unr.edu.
Plant sale proceeds help gardening projects
Northern Nevada Master Gardeners are sponsoring a plant sale, May 20 at the Washoe County office, from 8
a.m. to noon. Shoppers can purchase tomatoes, peppers, squash, cucumbers, eggplants, and both annual and
perennial flowers, for only $1 each. All proceeds go directly to maintaining gardening projects. For more
information, contact Darley Jeppson.

Sharpen your teaching skills at seminar
Are you interested in developing assignments to help students learn, as well as help you assess student learning?
The "Designing Effective Assignments" seminar, presented by Meggin McIntosh. will help you do both. The
workshop will be held May 18-19, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., on campus. To register, log on to the Excellence in
Teaching Program web site. Space is limited to 20 participants, so register early.
Trees 2000 takes root in Nevada
The Trees 2000 Project challenges all Nevada citizens to plant one tree for every person in Nevada by the end
of 2000. The project's goals are to beautify the urban and rural areas of Nevada, and plant drought-resistant,
regionally appropriate trees and wildflowers in every part of the state. Informational tree-hangers are available
at nurseries throughout the state, as well as at tree-planting activities. Cooperative Extension is sponsoring the
project with Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa and Secretary of State Dean Heller. For more information,
contact Patricia Rowley.
Walker River public forum
The final meeting of the Walker River Basin Advisory Committee (WRBAC) was held March 8 as a public
forum. More than 70 people attended the meeting, facilitated by Loretta Singletary. They were given a historical
overview of the WRBAC, its efforts in acquiring research dollars, and its direction of the Water Conservation
Research Project. A summary of the research document, presented by Resource Concepts, Inc., is available at
www.tele-net.net/wrbac. Committee members talked about their experiences on the team; most said it was the
best committee they had ever served on.
Personnel Changes
New Hires:
NAME TITLE LOCATION HIRE DATE
Inkham Adams Temp Aid II Western Area 3-13-00
Danielle Courtois Temp Aid II Western Area 3-13-00
Meg Price Specialist Administration 4-1-00
Susan Stephens Budget Analyst Southern Area 4-10-00
Karla Vindell Temp Aid II Southern Area 3-13-00
Emergency Hires:
NAME TITLE LOCATION HIRE DATE
Esther Kajatt Temp Aid II Southern Area 3-16-00
Esther Saenz Temp Aid II Southern area 4-3-00
Georgina Saenz Temp Aid II Southern Area 3-16-00
Letter of Appointment Hires:
NAME TITLE LOCATION HIRE DATE
Pamela Gallion Instructor Southern area 3-13-00
Naomi Mason Instructor Northeast Area 4-1-00
Employees Leaving Extension:
NAME TITLE LOCATION DATE LEFT
Laura Hernandez Temp Aid II Southern Area 3-24-00
Jennifer Miles Temp Aid II Western Area 3-27-00
Sherry Scott Clerk Typist II Western Area 1-28-00

Dean's Message
Program Development: The Logic Model
By Karen Hinton, Dean and Director
A new term is spreading through the Cooperative
Extension System nationally. You may have already
run across this planning framework, called the
"Logic Model." The concept of quality program
development is nothing new, but the Logic Model
does provide a common language for communicating
the elements of program design – inputs, outputs and
outcomes. The Logic Model helps to think of
programming in logical linkages and a series of ifthen
relationships. It is a useful tool for planning as
well as evaluation.
What makes up a logic model?
Inputs – staff, volunteers, partners, time, money, materials, equipment, technology
Outputs – activities such as workshops, meetings, facilitation, recruitment, training, product
development; individuals reached, including participants, customers, citizens
Outcomes – learning, in the form of awareness, knowledge, attitudes, skills, aspirations; action,
such as changes in behavior, practice, decisions, policies; and changes in social, economic, civic
or environmental conditions
Whether creating a new program, taking stock of an existing program, organizing a team or planning for
increased involvement, this tool will help keep your efforts focused on meeting objectives and achieving
impact.
You will be hearing more about the Logic Model in upcoming months; however, I encourage you to explore
these concepts by visiting the University of Wisconsin’s Cooperative Extension Program Development and
Evaluation web page at http://www.uwex.edu/ces/pdande. A diagram of the model can be found at
http://www.uwex.edu/ces/pdande/evaluation/evallogicmodel.html.

Online Status Reports
By Greg Wilson, Finance and Administrative Specialist
Those of you who currently receive grant funds or Smith Lever 3-D funds for which you are the Principal
Investigator are familiar with the monthly status reports. The UNR Controller's Office prints the reports every
month for each account. They send copies of the reports for all Cooperative Extension accounts to the Las
Vegas Administrative Office. This office, in turn, distributes a copy of the report to the PI for that account.
In August 2000 this will all change. The Controller's Office is currently printing 25,000 pages a month to
distribute these reports. In order to eliminate these copies, the office has made a Balance and Activity report
available on the Web using CAIS.
So that everyone will not have access to the financial information for your accounts, you must obtain a log-on
ID and password. Greg Wilson sent a memo to all employees describing this process. Attached to that memo is
an Application for Administrative Account. If you have an account or accounts that you need to monitor, please
be sure to fill out this form listing, at the bottom, all the accounts you need to access, and return it to Greg for
processing. You can only apply for a log-on ID if you have an account to access. If you do not currently have an
account, keep this form so if you become the PI for an account, you can fill out the form to get access online.
The Controller's Office will provide training on how to access your accounts online. Greg will also do
individual or group training for anyone in Cooperative Extension who needs to access their accounts online.
Greg believes you'll find this CAIS application as easy as any other web-based application you may use. You'll
also find there is much more information on the online application than was available on the old status report.
If you currently have accounts you are managing and you did not receive the memo with the Application for
Administrative Account, please contact Greg right away to be sure you have continued access to your accounts.
Nevada Motor Pool Cars
The State Motor Pool has informed the university that beginning June 1, 2000 they are charging a no-show fee
when a car that has been reserved is not used. A reservation for a motor pool car must be canceled in advance to
avoid this fee. In order to enforce this, the State Motor Pool requires an advance copy of the Daily Vehicle
Approval Form, which includes the account to be charged. Greg wants you to be aware that if you order a motor
pool car and don't use it, there will be a charge to your account.
Personnel Features
Rod Davis tapped as new
Extension Educator in Lander County
Rod Davis makes the move from Las Vegas, where he
coordinated the spring 2000 Master Gardener training, to Battle
Mountain, as Extension Educator.
"I’m really looking forward to becoming a member of this
community," says Rod. "I like the demographics, the weather, the
geography, the great folks there and the small town atmosphere.
I’d like to be a player in helping the community with long-term
economic and community development based on needs
assessment, program development, research and evaluation."

Rod has worked for nearly 25 years in horticulture, agriculture, IPM, leadership and volunteer development, 4-
H and other youth programs. He has served as Extension Educator for the University of Wyoming and the
University of Tennessee, as well as private industry employment in horticulture and farming.
Rod holds a master of science in Extension Education and a bachelor of science in Agricultural Education from
the University of Tennessee. He also studied speech and education at Western Washington State College.
Marilyn Ming joins Southern Area as new
Marketing and Public Relations Specialist
Marilyn Ming joins Cooperative Extension after more than 12 years of public
relations, media relations, marketing, advertising and community relations work in
the Las Vegas non-profit sector, hotel industry and university. She has some great
ideas for enhancing Extension’s image in this community through the use of the
media, the schools, special events, the Internet and other partnerships and
coalitions.
"My goal is to bring Cooperative Extension and its program into every home and business in Southern Nevada,
said Marilyn. "I will accomplish this by acting as a resource for all the southern area faculty, assisting them in
conveying their message to the community via the media."
Marilyn has a bachelor of arts in communication/public relations from UNLV, and has completed 36 credit
hours toward a master of arts degree.
JoAnne Skelly is new Extension Educator
for Carson City/Storey Counties
JoAnne Skelly moves up from the position of Horticulture Program
Assistant -- where she has coordinated and developed programs for and
trained Master Gardeners in the Western Area -- to Extension Educator for
Carson City and Storey Counties.
"My goals are to build relationships and strong partnerships that cross
economic and cultural boundaries to bring people together in a true spirit
of community," says JoAnne. "I’d like to develop, implement and maintain
quality programs that empower individuals, families and groups, helping
to achieve a healthy environment, strong economy and high quality of
life."
JoAnne joined the university in 1992. Prior to that, she was an instructor at Truckee Meadows and Western
Nevada Community Colleges, as well as holding positions in private industry, including landscape design and
maintenance. She earned a master of science in resource management from UNR, and a bachelor of science in
ornamental horticulture from California Polytechnic State University.

Dixie Allsbrook graduates
from Leadership Las Vegas
Dixie Allsbrook, Southern Area Director, is a graduate of Leadership’s Class of 2000, an intensive 10-month
community program. She was selected by the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce as one of 43 community
leaders.
"The education, knowledge and resources I received from this program are invaluable," said Dixie. "I plan to
use every bit of information to assist me in becoming a better community citizen and more valued employee of
Cooperative Extension."
Dixie and her classmates navigated the criminal justice system, gaming and tourism industry, health and human
service programs, and many more community aspects and programs. By the end of the session, graduates
developed a network of relationships that will bring fresh and broadened perspectives to issues facing Las
Vegas. They will play an important part in the future of the city.
Annual Conference 2000 Update
Registration packets for "Teaming up to Serve our Public," to be held Sept. 27-28 on campus, were mailed
during the last week of June. If you did not receive one, contact Penny Jenkins. Housing has been arranged at
the University Inn and Circus Circus Hotel & Casino. Registration and hotel accommodations should be made
by Aug. 25. The meetings and sessions will be held at the University Inn and Jot Travis Student Union. The
hard-working committee looks forward to participation by all employees for good food, fun, laughter and
learning!
Calcium - it's not just milk!
The "Calcium - it's not just milk" campaign, targeting selected middle schools in Reno-Sparks and Las Vegas,
has been active and attracting media attention. In collaboration with the Nevada Nutrition Network and other
university nutritionists, Jamie Benedict, Gwenn Snow, Mary Spoon and KWNZ radio personalities handed out
food samples that are good sources of calcium at Traner Middle School in Sparks. The program, aimed at
adolescents, includes radio spots, billboards, bus shelter signs, school posters, lesson plans and even calcium
trivia games. Claudene Wharton conducted the media relations.
New logo and slogan adopted for Cooperative Extension
At the request of the Extension Governing Board, the Image Enhancement Committee has been working on
ways to develop a consistent image and increase name recognition and awareness of the organization. Thanks to
input from more than 60 employees, a slogan was adopted and designed with the new UNR logo for use on our
various electronic and printed pieces. The group is developing a new website banner, to be used in variations
throughout the state, and will have the logo and other pieces available for downloading and printing in all
offices. Image pieces – an annual report/magazine, pocket folder and bookmark – are being printed for use
statewide. Committee members are: Dixie Allsbrook, Alice Good, Karen Hinton, Eric Killian, Joanne Kock,
Marilyn Ming, Willie Riggs, JoAnne Skelly, Ron Torell, Mark Walker and Claudene Wharton.
Gardening and Yard Care Tips
Dick Post, Western Area Director, is interviewed weekly on KOLO Channel 8's 5:30 News. He gives gardening
and yard care tips. For more gardening tips check out the master gardener pages:
http://www.unce.unr.edu/extension/mastergardener.html.

Grant workshop held in Denver, Oct. 6
Educators, researchers and administrators are invited to a one-day grant workshop, co-hosted by the Colorado
State University and University of Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Stations. The program will discuss the
USDA National Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program, particularly preparation of proposals. For
more information, log on to: http://www.colostate.edu/depts/aes/NRI/.
Ed Smith receives a Smokey Bear award
Ed Smith received one of only ten Bronze Smokey Bear Awards given annually by the U.S. Forest Service, The
Advertising Council and the National Association of State Foresters. The award recognizes "sustained,
outstanding statewide service in wildland fire prevention over a minimum of two years." Smith was nominated
by the Bureau of Land Management’s Ron Barrett, with whom he collaborated on a number of projects.
"I’m very grateful for the recognition, but really the project’s (Living With Fire) success is the result of many
people’s hard work…I’m happy the award brings recognition to the project, the university and the
collaborators," said Ed.
Mary Spoon elected Faculty Senate chair – a first for Cooperative Extension
Mary Spoon was elected head of a faculty body numbering more than 1,200. She represents the faculty at Board
of Regents meetings, assists in personnel matters, search committees, oversees deliberations by the senate and
leads the faculty procession during commencement.
"With Joe Crowley retiring as president, this is a year of transition, and we’ll be looking for someone who is as
open and fair with faculty as Joe has been," says Mary. "We’ll also work to keep the channels of
communication open between the senate and all the faculty, now that we’ve been putting material up on the
web."
Mary sees her position as a good way to further enhance Cooperative Extension’s presence on campus.
Talk to the Master Gardeners in Carson City, July 15
Need answers to your summer gardening questions? Come talk to the Masters at the Cscape Demonstration
Garden, in the northeast corner of Mills Park. Cscape is a low-maintenance, water-efficient garden maintained
by Master Gardeners and the Carson City Utility Department. For more information, contact JoAnne Skelly.
Tall Whitetop Initiative in full swing
This collaborative program between Cooperative Extension, other agencies and volunteers, was active in the
spring during weed bloom with educational workshops, demonstrations and public-awareness activities. An
eight-page, four-color tabloid was inserted in 16 newspapers throughout the state, receiving publicity and
numerous contacts from people about new sightings. This effort was augmented with radio and TV PSAs,
billboards, exhibits, posters, bookmarks, fact sheets and other materials. Participating in these efforts are: Sue
Donaldson, Jay Davison, Mark Eisworth, Alice Good, Karen Hinton, Wayne Johnson, Steve Lewis, Kent
McAdoo, M.L. Robinson, Loretta Singletary, Claudene Wharton and Bob Wilson.
Web Class in program evaluation starts this fall
The Department of Human Development and Family Studies is offering a web-based course in program
evaluation in the fall semester. The online course, HDFS 798, is eligible for fee waiver. For more information,
contact Jo Ann Coleman.

New Hires:
Personnel Changes
NAME TITLE DEPARTMENT HIRE DATE
Karen Brumhall PA III- 4-H coordinator Western Area
Douglas County
5-30-00
Imelda Espejo Computer Network Tech Trainee Southern Area 3-30-00
Nicholas Farrey TA II-60-day emergency hire, CYF Southern Area 6-5-00
Towana Key Clerical Trainee Southern Area 6-19-00
Deborah Klein Nutrition Specialist- Part-time 1-year LOA Western Area 5-4-00
Marilyn Ming Marketing/PR Specialist Southern Area 6-16-00
Marica Moffitt Administrative Aid-emergency hire Lyon County 7-1-00
Jacquelyn Pushkaric TA II-60-day emergency hire, health/nutrition Southern Area 6-5-00
Tami Reimers LOA 1-month appointment to manage 4-H camp Western Area 7-1-00
Teri Spraggins MA II-Special Projects Dean/Director's Office 5-8-00
Gayle VanBemmel (Bowers) Project Manager-LOA, Tall Whitetop Western Area 6-1-00
Jay Williams MA I-60-day emergency hire, CYF Southern Area 6-12-00
Employees Receiving Promotions or Transfers:
NAME TITLE DEPARTMENT HIRE DATE
Rod Davis Extension Educator, Battle Mountain Central/NE Area 8-1-00
Joanne Skelly Extension Educator - promotion from PA III Western Area - Carson City 6-1-00
Joyce Woodson Area Specialist- promotion to Rank III Southern Area 7-1-00
Employees Leaving Extension:
NAME TITLE DEPARTMENT RESIGNATION
Darla Dodge MA II Dean/Director’s Office, Campus 6-30-00
Roby Kettle Extension Educator Winnemucca 7-26-00
Georgina Saenz TA II, CYF Southern Area 6-5-00
Elsa Spencer Program Officer-emergency hire, CYF Southern Area 5-22-00
Karla Vindell TA II, CYF Southern Area 6-30-00

Dean's Message
Welcome John Burton at Statewide Conference
I hope each of you will join me in welcoming John Burton to
Nevada. He assumed the position of Assistant Director on Aug. 21
and has already had an opportunity to meet many of you. John
received his Ph.D in Sociology from Iowa State University. Since
1994, he has served as a Program Development Specialist and
Program Leader at South Dakota State University. Prior to that he
filled the role of Extension Leadership Development Specialist at
Auburn University. John is very excited about coming to Nevada and
is very impressed by the programming we are conducting. He is
looking forward to meeting everyone at our statewide conference at
the end of this month, as well as visiting our offices around the state.
In his position, John will serve as the state contact for programs. He will work with CSREES to ensure that our
program information is relayed to the federal level, as well as helping faculty and staff identify programming
enhancement opportunities that might be available from a variety of sources. John will also coordinate our
reporting system for the new multi-state and multi-functional programming requirements. John brings with him
enthusiasm as well as strong Cooperative Extension experience. (See his photo and feature article below).
Speaking of our statewide conference – there's still time to register! If you need additional information on the
conference, please contact Penny Jenkins at (775) 784-7070. This year's planning committee has worked hard to
make this a special event. David Litchford is a nationally recognized speaker that you won't want to miss. His
presentations uniquely blend important messages with a great deal of humor! Additionally, this year's
conference will feature association meetings, various reports on items that have taken place during the past year,
a poster session, evening reception, workshops, subject matter meetings and an awards luncheon. Don't miss
this opportunity to meet new people and interact with others from around the state!
Events and Activities
Reminder --- Use the statewide Activities Calendar!
To avoid setting functions on dates that conflict with other Cooperative Extension activities around the state, we
recommend you check the Activities Calendar on the statewide website at:
http://www.unce.unr.edu/calendar/default.html. Once there, click on any month to check the activities already
scheduled. To add a meeting or function, email .

Ag/Natural Resource Workshop in Eureka, Sept. 19-20
This event will give interested participants the chance to meet and discuss issues concerning agriculture and the
preservation of natural resources. Scheduled activities include project updates, a discussion related to the
Irrigated Pasture and Hay Manual, opportunities for collaboration on RREA projects and proposals, and a
barbecue.
Rooms at the Eureka Best Western have been blocked until Sept. 5 for participants. The cost is $62 plus tax
based on double occupancy. Call the hotel at (775) 237-5247 for reservations.
For more information on the program, contact Willie Riggs.
Statewide Conference 2000 update
This two-day event will be held at the University campus Sept. 27-28. Scheduled activities include special guest
speakers, breakout workshops, and a closing awards luncheon buffet. The closing date for registration has
moved from Aug. 25 to Sept. 15. Employees interested in attending should contact Penny Jenkins.
Conference features Keynote Speaker David Litchford
Attendees of Statewide Conference 2000 will be treated to dynamic and entertaining talks by motivational
speaker David Litchford that will help us achieve our conference objective of working together and with others
to effectively serve our publics.
Litchford grew up in a small farming community in Utah, where he developed expertise in hay hauling, beet
thinning, cow milking and tomato picking – all this while suffering from severe allergies! His ag production
upbringing perhaps contributed to his large hands, big feet, prominent nose and full-figure look, all of which
help keep an audience alert and involved during his energetic presentations.
This recipient of numerous teaching and training awards lives in California now, where he devotes his time to
helping various organizations become more successful.
Administrators tour northern Nevada sites
Cooperative Extension administrators will tour offices in northern Nevada Oct. 11 (Battle Mountain), 12
(Eureka), 16 (Reno and Minden) and 17 (Yerington and Fallon). The purpose of the community meetings is to
meet with stakeholders, give them a program overview and get their input. Touring will be Karen Hinton, John
Burton, Dixie Allsbrook, Jerry Buk, Dick Post, Celia Feres-Lewin, Greg Wilson and Alice Good. Local
Extension educators and area specialists will be welcoming and participating in the discussions.
A southern area tour is set for March 5-9, 2001.
WELD applications due Oct. 15
The Western Extension Leadership Development (WELD) program is designed to help Cooperative Extension
agents, advisors, educators and specialists. The two-year program aids in improving leadership styles, ethical
decision-making skills, teamwork abilities and more. The program features a three-day conference, individual
leadership project and capstone conference. The approximate cost of the full program is $1,200. For more
information, log onto www.osu.orst.edu/extension/weld/
Weed conference held in Elko, Oct. 18-20
A number of Cooperative Extension faculty are involved in the Nevada Weed Management Association 5th
Annual Conference, held in Elko at the Stockman’s Hotel and Casino, Oct. 18-20. Sue Donaldson is conference
organizer, and Alice Crites is seeking nominations for annual awards (deadline, Sept. 18). Kent McAdoo will be
showing participants the local tall whitetop demonstration project along the Humboldt River. Any questions
should be directed to Sue.

USDA civil rights compliance review held in Nevada, Oct. 20-26
A USDA civil rights compliance review team will be visiting Cooperative Extension offices during this time
period. They will visit offices in Reno, Elko, Fallon and Las Vegas, as well as Experiment Station programs in
Reno. Their purpose is to determine the extent to which programs are in compliance with nondiscrimination
requirements.
Pesticide Workshop coming to Las Vegas, Nov. 8
The annual Pesticide Applicator Licensee Workshop is a one-day event featuring presentations on subjects
which include: insect identification, plant diseases, pesticide labels and safety. Registration is $25 and will be
accepted until Oct. 25. Registration forms are available at all Cooperative Extension and State Department of
Agriculture offices. For more information, contact Wayne Johnson.
National Alfalfa Symposium will be held in Las Vegas, Dec. 10-12
Growers, industry experts and marketers are expected to attend this foremost meeting on alfalfa in the United
States. Sponsored by the California Alfalfa Workgroup and the Alfalfa Council, the three-day event will feature
35 speakers, exhibits and presentations, and a tour of an alfalfa plantation near Las Vegas. The focus of this
year’s symposium will be alfalfa production practices from a western perspective. For more information or to
register, log onto www.alfalfa.org
Teamwork and Collaboration
“Nevada Burning” examines
Nevada’s wildfire issue
The first “Nevada Burning” television special aired Aug. 20 on
KOLO-TV. Rave reviews followed the half-hour program,
coordinated by Ed Smith and Claudene Wharton, and produced
by UNCE, KOLO-TV, Bureau of Land Management, Nevada
Division of Forestry and Sierra Front Wildfire Cooperators. The
special included interviews with Ed Smith and Extension
Educator Willie Riggs.
Upcoming showings will be aired on KOLO-TV, Channel 8:
• Sunday, Sept. 9, 4 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 6, 4:30 p.m.
These programs are a component of the Living With Fire program, an educational and research effort that
assists firefighting agencies and teaches homeowners fire-protection techniques. More than 1 million copies of
the Living With Fire tabloid have been produced throughout the West.
The Nevada Fire Safe Council is an outcome of the 1999 Fire Forum. The Virginia Highlands Council,
facilitated by Marlene Rebori, has sponsored workshops, newsletters and other projects.
4-H Events and Activities
4-H Expo in Winnemucca, Sept. 20-24
Young adults in Nevada are invited to showcase their talents in this annual event. Participants can compete in
events ranging from horse roping to public speaking to archery. Interested students should contact Sue Hoffman
at the Nevada 4-H Program Office by Sept. 10.

Students rank
College and Careers
Program high
Nevada high school students
who participated in this firsttime
event in July gave the
program high reviews.
Students found the lectures,
tours and discussions to be
helpful in making the
transition to college life. For
more information on the
College and Careers
Program, contact Sue
Hoffman.
Personnel Features
John Burton hired as Assistant Director
John Burton, a sociologist with more than 20 years of Cooperative
Extension, military and international experience, began his service in the
campus administrative office Aug. 21. He will be working with faculty,
clientele and stakeholders in the area of program planning and development.
"I’ve been very impressed that Cooperative Extension in Nevada is looking
down the road and adapting to changing needs," John said. "I’ve had a
variety of leadership, programming and administrative experiences in other
states that I hope will add to the mix here to help us make a difference in
peoples’ lives."
John comes to Nevada from South Dakota where he was Family and Youth/4-H Program Leader with
Cooperative Extension at South Dakota State University. Prior to this, he was Leadership Development
Specialist with Auburn University Cooperative Extension, Community Development Specialist with University
of Guam Cooperative Extension and Montana State University Cooperative Extension, and Sociologist with
North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension.
He earned his Bachelor of Science in History and Master of Science in Sociology at Utah State University, and
his Ph.D. in Sociology at Iowa State University.
John and his wife Irene are making their home in Reno; their four children are grown. On the weekends you
may find him at the shooting range, or pursuing geology and history hobbies.

Candy Cook selected as new
Rural Public Relations Assistant
Candy Cook, a junior journalism and speech communication major
at the University of Nevada, Reno, is Cooperative Extension’s first
intern in the Regents Award Program. She began her employment in
the Dean/Director’s on-campus office Aug. 21, and will be working
through the 2000-2001 school year. Candy will be focusing on
media relations for Cooperative Extension’s rural counties, and is
available to help personnel with news releases, PSAs, newspaper
columns, newsletters, brochures, impact statements, displays and
other communication projects.
Candy has been active on campus as a Student Ambassador for the
university and news writer for the Sagebrush. When she was editor
of her high school newspaper, she won a national feature writing
award.
"I am excited to be a part of the Cooperative Extension team," she said. "I look forward to contributing to many
different publications." Candy can be reached at (775) 784-7070.
Calculating Indirect Costs
by Greg Wilson, Finance and Administration Specialist
Throughout the years, I have received many question about how to calculate the indirect costs as part of a grant
budget you are submitting. In any calculation of indirect costs, you must subtract the cost of equipment, the
amount of each sub-agreement in excess of $25,000 and tuition. Let’s look at four different types of
calculations:
First, you will notice there are several indirect cost rates. They vary depending on the grant. The various
indirect cost rates can be found on http://www.unr.edu/ospa/.
The first two calculations are mostly straightforward -- you know what the direct cost is and simply multiply the
adjusted direct cost by the indirect cost rate. In this case, you do not have a fixed amount that you will receive
from the grantor, but rather the indirect cost is added to the direct cost to come to the total amount of the grant.
In any calculation of indirect costs, you must subtract the cost of equipment, the amount of each sub-agreement
in excess of $25,000 and tuition.
Let’s look at four different types of calculations:
First, you will notice there are several indirect cost rates. They vary depending on the grant. The various
indirect cost rates can be found on the third page of http://www.unr.edu/ospa/guide.doc.
The first two calculations are mostly straightforward -- you know what the direct cost is and simply multiply the
adjusted direct cost by the indirect cost rate. In this case, you do not have a fixed amount that you will receive
from the grantor, but rather the indirect cost is added to the direct cost to come to the total amount of the grant.
1) Total direct costs with no equipment, sub-agreements or tuition are $100,000. The indirect cost rate is
20.1%.
Indirect cost is $100,000 X .201 = $20,100.

2) Total direct costs are $100,000, which includes $5,000 in equipment and $75,000 for a sub-agreement. The
indirect cost rate is 26%.
Indirect cost is $100,000-$5,000-$50,000) X .26 or
$45,000 X .26 = $11,700.
The second two calculations are a little more difficult because all you know is the total amount of the grant --
you must back into the direct and indirect costs. This requires you to solve the direct cost first in order to
multiply that number by the indirect cost rate to arrive at the indirect costs.
3) Total amount of grant is $100,000. The indirect cost rate is 24.2%.
In this case we need to solve the following equation:
DC + (DC X .242) = $100,000 where DC represents direct costs or
1.242DC = $100,000 or
DC = $100,000/1.242 or
DC = $80,515
Indirect cost is $80,515 X .242 = $19,485 leaving a budget as follows:
Direct cost $80,515
Indirect cost 19,485
Total grant $100,000
4) Total amount of grant is $100,000, which includes $5,000 in equipment. The indirect cost rate is 24.2%.
In this case we need to solve the following equation:
DC + ((DC - $5,000) X .242) = $100,000 where DC represents direct costs or
DC + .242DC – $5,000 X .242 = $100,000 or
DC + .242DC – $1,210 = $100,000 or
1.242DC = $101,210 or
DC = $101,210/1.242 or
DC = $81,489
Indirect cost is ($81,489-$5000) X .242 or
$76,489 X .242 = $18,511 leaving a budget as follows:
Modified direct cost $76,489
Equipment 5,000
Indirect cost 18,511
Total grant $100,000
If you have any questions about any of these calculations, call me at (702) 251-7531
Grants Received
Let’s hear a round of applause for those Principal Investigators who received grants in June 2000.
Recipient Name of Grant Grantor Amount
Breazeale, Don Alfalfa Seed Production DOA-ARS 6,000
Harris, Thomas Rural Hospital/ Task 2 DHHS-HRSA 6,000
Martin, Sally Child Care Provider Training DHHS-HRSA-MCHA/NV-SHR-DW 79,435
Reilly, Jackie 4-H After School Club DHUD-PIH/City of Reno Housing 51,132

New Hires:
Employees with Anniversaries in September and October
Employee Hire Date Years of
Service
Employee Hire Date Years of
Service
Richard Post 9-1-64 36 Barbara Richardson 9-28-95 5
Marlene Rebori 9-1-96 4 Marlana Ramirez 9-29-97 3
Sally Knight 9-1-99 1 Alice Crites 10-1-84 16
Myma Wolfe 9-4-99 1 Charlotte Youngs 10-1-85 15
Sylvia Brown 9-6-88 12 William Riggs 10-1-97 3
Jim Lopez 9-8-97 3 Dixie Allsbrook 10-1-97 3
Carolyn Leontos 9-9-85 15 Kyle Prior 10-1-99 1
M.L. Robinson 9-9-96 4 Melody Richards 10-2-95 5
Blanca Delgado 9-10-90 10 Carolyn Harriman 10-3-89 11
Candace Kevan 9-11-89 11 Norma Green 10-4-82 18
Karen Dyka 9-12-88 12 Adrienne Ellis 10-4-99 1
James Barcellos 9-15-95 5 Denylle McDowell 10-4-99 1
Brenda Cloud 9-16-91 9 Maximina Link 10-7-91 9
Carol Herndon 9-17-99 1 Cindy Smullen 10-8-84 16
David Christy 9-18-95 5 Robert Kennedy 10-8-96 4
Lisa Houser 9-18-95 5 Nancy Maslach 10-11-99 1
Patricia Whitten 9-18-85 15 Michaelyn Bixler 10-14-96 4
Martha Portales 9-18-95 5 Marianne Papa 10-16-80 20
Ray Alley 9-19-90 10 Mary Warren 10-16-96 4
Willie Daugherty 9-20-99 1 Donna White 10-18-99 1
Daniel McHatton 9-21-98 2 Patricia Williams 10-19-98 2
Anna Wehling 9-24-97 3 Jane Hussein 10-26-98 2
Personnel Changes
Name Title Department Hire
Date
Scott Arquette Temporary Aid II Western Area 6-18-01
Rachel Brooks Temporary Aid II -- 4-H camp Western Area 7-4-01
Farayi Dete Student Worker -- CYF Southern Area 6-18-01
Tawana Dete Student Worker -- CYF Southern Area 6-18-01
Dustin Hanson Temporary Aid II Western Area 6-18-01
Harriet Hoinston Clerical Trainee Southern Area 7-11-01
Myron Jackson Student Worker -- CYF Southern Area 6-18-01
Derrick Kepler Temporary Aid I Western Area 6-18-01
Transfers and Promotions:
Name Title Department Effective
Nita Schmidt Program Assistant II - from emergency Southern Area 7-16-01
hire to full-time classified

Employees Leaving Extension:
Name Title Department Date
Bontheia Chatman Program Assistant III Southern Area 6-25-01
Nicola Douglas Student Worker Southern Area 7-13-01
Minnie Hill Program Assistant II Southern Area 6-13-01
Luetta Mann Program Specialist -LOA Central Area 7-31-01
Anita Prince Personnel Tech II Administration 8-10-01
Alecia Oceguera Teacher Assistant II Central Area 6-30-01
Mary Reid Area Extension Specialist Central Area 7-31-01
Tami Reimers 4-HCamp Director-LOA Western Area 7-31-01
Gayle VanBemmel Instructor-LOA Western Area 7-31-01
Annie White Teacher Assistant II Southern Area 7-13-01
Web Watch
Check out new sections
on Cooperative Extension statewide website!
Budget graphs and one-page information sheet added under the Employee Support Page, Policies and
Procedure -- UNCE Handouts.
The University of Nevada Cooperative Extension Civil Rights Policy Statement has been added to the
Policies and Procedures page under Employee Support.
Access the official UNCE copyright statement and copyright FAQs, under Employee Support.
Changes have been made to the Staff Directory. It can be downloaded from either the Personnel page or
the Communications and Public Relations Guidelines page under Employee Support.
Always changing: Activities Calendar, Conferences, Master Gardener Calendar, Publications and
What's New.
New 2000 Nevada Publications
Following is a listing of new publications. For posted publications dating from 1994-2000, see the publications
database on this website. CM = Curriculum Material, FS = Fact Sheet, EB = Extension Bulletin, SP = Special
Publication.
Number Title Author(s)
FS 01-01 Las Llaves del Exito en las Crianza de Ninos: Guia R. Brown, E. Killian
FS 01-07 Combining Strategies for Pest Control: Understanding Integrated Pest R. Davis
Management
FS-01-13 Reducing Your Risks of Crime Victimization in the Community C. Collins
FS 01-14 Safe Handling of Expressed Breast Milk M. Sigman-Grant
FS 01-15 Handling Baby Food in the Child Care Setting M. Sigman-Grant
FS 01-16 Safely Feeding Babies and Infants in the Child Care Setting M. Sigman-Grant
FS 01-18 Desert Soils M.L. Robinson
FS 01-20 Life Skills Learned in 4-H: A Pilot Study in Lyon County L. Singletary, M. Smith,
W. Evans
FS 01-21 Water Banking in the Walker River Basin: Barriers and Opportunities L. Singletary
FS 01-22
Managing 4-H: What’s Working and What’s Not Based on a Lyon County
Assessment
L. Singletary, M. Smith,
W. Evans
FS 01-24 Walker River Basin Advisory Committee Project L. Singletary
FS 01-25 Freeze Branding Ranch Animals R. Torell, W. Riggs
FS 01-26 Preventing Crime in Your Home C. Collins
FS 01-28 Retirement Planning for Farmers and Ranchers D. Breazeale
FS 01-29 Mycorrhizae A. O’Callaghan
Submit your publications electronically to Teri Spraggins (either on disk or by e-mail).

Dean's Message
Administrative Team Embarks
on Community Tours
In October, the administrative team began a series of
community tours in which the team and local faculty
and staff met in listening sessions with community
representatives. This first series of visits, which
included Battle Mountain, Eureka, Reno,
Gardnerville, Yerington and Fallon, provided an
excellent opportunity to hear about the needs and
issues that are important in each county. Citizens
described issues as they related to the six major
programming areas for Cooperative Extension, as
well as broader community issues and topics that
would apply to the university as a whole.
Stakeholder input is an important communication tool to our federal partner, CSREES, and is now required by
federal legislation. It has also been important to Cooperative Extension historically as a method of connecting
with local citizens, listening to needs and responding in appropriate ways. Input from these sessions has been
recorded so that we will be able to provide participants with a written summary, and will also be able to share
their thoughts with Cooperative Extension statewide.
In March, a tour of southern communities will include Caliente, Logandale, Las Vegas and Pahrump.
Additional locations will be set in the future for a third tour. Additional pictures from our tour below!

Relief from Late Travel Reimbursement Checks on the way
By Greg Wilson, Finance and Administration Specialist
Recently some of you may have experienced a long wait to get your travel reimbursement checks through the
university. For employees not on campus, this can be an issue at any time, but a recent situation in Accounts
Payable may make the situation worse for a while. Accounts Payable recently lost three members of their staff,
a relatively large portion. As a result, all checks to both vendors and employees cannot be processed in the same
time frames as before. They are in the process of filling those positions. None of this helps pay your credit card
bills, but at least you know this is only a temporary situation. A travel advance may be an option, but remember
a second travel advance cannot be obtained until the first has been repaid.
Planning for Health Insurance Coverage of all LOBs
You probably know by now that the university has initiated a new Letter of Appointment with benefits, called
an LOB. The LOB is for part-time, temporary faculty with an FTE of more than 50 percent. This could become
a budget issue when hiring an LOA if that person already has another temporary appointment, and the FTE on
the two appointments is more than 50 percent. If this happens, the fringe benefits charged to your account for
this employee will increase by your proportionate share of their health insurance. Group health insurance costs
charged to your account are now greater than $365 per month per employee. Another possibility is that you hire
an LOA and then at some time in the future someone else also hires that individual. If that additional time takes
your LOA to over .5 FTE, then that person becomes an LOB and you will be charged for your proportional
share of their health insurance. This means that you have an additional consideration when budgeting for and
hiring an LOA. You may never know when an LOA may become an LOB and add an additional charge to your
account. Therefore, your budgeting needs to include the higher fringe amount to provide some flexibility.

4-H Events and Activities
4-H Office Moves to New Building
The state 4-H office has relocated to a new office on the University of Nevada, Reno campus. The new office is
located at 1305 Evans Ave. in the former UNR police building. The mail stop is the same at 405. Phone
numbers are the same: Sue Hoffman, (775) 784-6206 and Melisa Maxey, (775) 784-6207. The office fax
number is new: (775) 327-5125. Their e-mail addresses remain the same.
4-H Week Recognized
in October
4-H members from Washoe, Storey and Douglas counties joined Gov. Kenny Guinn in Carson City, Oct. 3,
when he signed a proclamation recognizing Nevada 4-H Week, Oct. 1-7. Four 4-H members gave speeches
about their experiences in the organization, and Secretary of State Heller gave each presenter an autographed
copy of the book Political History of Nevada.
The group is shown here in the offices of Secretary of State Dean Heller.
4-H Professional Development Available
The Nevada Association of Extension 4-H Agents (NvAE4HA) is actively involved in providing professional
development opportunities for both members and non-members. Don Holloway, Pete Magnum, Eric Killian,
Marianne Papa, Marilyn Smith and Jill Tingey will be attending the NvAE4HA national conference in
Denver, Dec. 5-9. The conference will highlight new curriculum materials available to 4-H staff. Tingey is
Nevada’s representative on the planning committee for a Quad-state meeting, The Wonderful World of 4-H,
scheduled for May 16-19 in Los Angeles. To join NvAE4HA, contact Sue Hoffman.
Personnel Features
Angela O’Callaghan hired as
Southern Area Horticulture Specialist
Native New Yorker Angela O’Callaghan has been hired by Cooperative Extension to create a social
horticulture program in the southern area.
This program will work closely with Master Gardeners in promoting gardening and community development.
O’Callaghan aims to start neighborhood community flower and vegetable gardens, specialized herbal and
medicinal gardens and small farmers’ markets in urban areas.
"What makes social horticulture more than simply gardening is its strong community development focus," she
said.
O’Callaghan received her M.S. and Ph.D. in Horticulture from Cornell University. She has traveled across the
United States and through England and Ireland. In her spare time, she enjoys playing the guitar, singing,
knitting and sewing.
O’Callaghan looks forward to working with other members of Cooperative Extension in getting social
horticulture started. She can be reached at (702) 257-5581.

Dan Simmons is new Southern
Nye County Extension Educator
Dan Simmons began his work as an Extension Educator in the Pahrump office of Southern Nye County, Oct. 1.
A long-time resident of Pahrump, Simmons is committed to its citizens and community.
Simmon’s work will focus on expanding the 4-H and Master Gardener programs in Southern Nye County, as
well as providing community, economic and agricultural development to residents.
"The area and changing population have created an outstanding challenge that I think will be exciting for the
next decade," Simmons said.
Most recently, Simmons was employed as the Director of the Nevada Science and Technology Corridor. He
previously held the position of Southern Nye County Coordinator of the Community College of Southern
Nevada.
Simmons graduated from California State University, San Diego with a B.S. in Zoology and Wildlife
Management. He attended California State University, Santa Cruz, and received a Teaching Credential in
Science from the University of British Columbia. He also received a Masters of Education in Administration
and Organization from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
In his spare time, Simmons enjoys fly fishing in Canada.
Simmons can be reached at (775) 727-5532.
Program Kudos
Epsilon Sigma Phi Gives First Awards at Annual Conference
Vicki Agao and Lena Johnstone were the first two recipients of Cooperative Extension’s Awards of
Excellence at annual conference. The award nominations and selections were made by Epsilon Sigma Phi,
Cooperative Extension’s national professional organization.
Agao received the Program Staff Award. Now a Program Assistant IV, she has taught the Partners in Parenting
program and supervises staff in Healthy Families Nevada. Under her leadership, HFN has helped more than
1,000 at-risk parents and children. She has been employed with Cooperative Extension since 1992.
Johnstone, a Senior Secretary, received the Support Staff Award recognizing her work and dedication to the
Douglas County Office. She has networked the office computers, learned to operate a plotter and teaches a 4-H
computer club. Johnstone was also the recipient of the 1999 Douglas County Award of Excellence. She has
been employed with Cooperative Extension since 1991.
Youth Programs Move Ahead in Nevada
Extension educators, specialists, 4-H staff and administrators met in Winnemucca, Oct. 3-5, to develop
opportunities for youth in Nevada communities. Participants received training and discussed implementing the
curriculum "Moving Ahead Together: What Works for Youth…What Works for You?". A second Moving
Ahead Training is scheduled for March 13-15 in Winnemucca. For more information, contact Marilyn Smith.

Utah State Dairy Specialists
Help Nevada Farmers
Utah State University dairy experts have collaborated with University of Nevada Cooperative Extension to
provide expertise to Nevada dairy farmers. A meeting between Nevada farmers and two Utah State specialists
was held in Fallon, Oct. 4, and facilitated by Assistant Director John Burton. The meeting allowed the farmers
to tell the specialists what they needed and the specialists to tell the farmers how they can help them cut costs
and improve efficiency. The one-year agreement provides for at least one more visit to Nevada by the
specialists with possible tours of dairy farms. The specialists also answer telephone calls and e-mails from
Nevada farmers and publish a bimonthly newsletter. For more information, contact John Burton.
Exchange Participants Needed
Cooperative Extension faculty and staff are invited to participate in a group study exchange program sponsored
by Rotary International. The exchange seeks to build long-term relationships between participants, local leaders
and their counterparts in host countries. The exchange team is traveling to southern France this year and is
seeking two individuals from higher education to complete the team. All travel and lodgings will be paid for by
Rotary. Eligible participants must be under age 40. For more information, contact Brian Lahren at (775) 333-
8258, or blahren@sierra.net.
Buddy Borden Elected to Faculty Senate Seat
Southern Area Specialist Buddy Borden has been elected to fill the Cooperative Extension faculty senate seat
at the University of Nevada, Reno. Borden holds the position temporarily while current senator Mary Spoon
serves her one-year term as president.
Healthy Families Nevada Features
New Literacy Component
Healthy Families Nevada has added an interactive literacy workshop to their curriculum. "Children’s Books for
Healthy Families" is an interactive media program that stresses the importance of reading in promoting strong
parent-child bonds. A Spanish version of the program, "Libros de Ninos para Familieas Saludables," is available
as well. The program provides two culturally appropriate children’s books to Spanish-and-English speaking
parents. The workshop and poster display were presented at the National Conference of Healthy Families
America, along with a Little Lives display. For more information, contact Jo Anne Kock.
Buddy Borden and Marlene Rebori
Chosen for Young Scholars Program
Buddy Borden and Marlene Rebori were selected to attend the Young Scholars Development Program
sponsored by the Western Rural Development Center. As part of their attendance, the two specialists will also
receive $1,000 each to apply to research or program support.

4-H section has been redesigned.
Webwatch
Conferences section is accessible through the icon on the home page, or via text links from inside pages. Check
out the conferences being offered; most have downloadable registration forms or schedules.
Employee Support section is available as of the date of this newsletter. Sections and items are continually being
added. It includes: Communication and Public Relations Guidelines, Cooperative Extension Policies and
Procedures and Internal Needs Assessment. The password to the section was distributed at the Statewide
Conference Sept. 27-28 and via e-mail notices in October. If you do not have the password or are experiencing
password difficulties, please contact Alice Good.
Personnel Section is completed.
Always changing:
Jobs, Master Calendar, Master Gardener Calendar, Publications and What's New.
Employees with Anniversaries in
November and December
Employee Hire Date Years of Service Employee Hire Date Years of Service
Ron Torrell 11-1-84 16 Robert Morris 12-1-84 16
Madeleine Sigman-Grant 11-1-97 3 Kent McAdoo 12-1-98 2
Linda Dempsey 11-2-98 2 Karen Hinton 12-3-81 19
Buddy Borden 11-8-95 5 Pamela Proctor 12-3-90 10
Lena Johnstone 11-12-91 9 Sandra Tate 12-6-99 1
Zannetta Hanks 11-15-99 1 Donald Emerson 12-7-98 2
Timothy Grady 11-15-99 1 Mary Spoon 12-11-89 11
Janet Feehan 11-17-97 3 Jane Strickland 12-11-95 5
Ella Castillo-Chavez 11-17-97 3 Brent Nault 12-13-99 1
Tracey Miller 11-19-98 2 Celia Feres-Lewin 12-20-93 7
Sarah Chvilicek 11-20-89 11 Greg Wilson 12-20-93 7
Transfers and Promotions:
Personnel Features
Name Title Department Effective
Vicki Agao PA III to PA IV Southern Area 4-7-00
Wendy Hanson PA III to full-time PA III Western Area
Millicent Braxton-Calhoun TA II to PA III Southern Area 7-11-00
Marcia Moffitt Administrative Aid to county Senior Clerk Northeast Area 9-22-00

New Hires:
Name Title Department Hire Date
Kymberly Bennett LOA Instructor, Family Literacy Program Western Area 9-1-00
Connie Christensen PA II, NOWG Project for CYF Southern Area 8-28-00
Valerie Clarkson Temp Aid I, 4-H Camp Western Area 7-9-00
Caroline Clay-Ricks Clerk I, Lyon County Office Central Area 1-1-00
Sue Ann Donegan TA II, Nutrition Western Area 9-1-00
Heather Dunn LOA Instructor, Project MAGIC Northeast Area 10-17-00
Staci Emm Program Officer I, Indian Reservation Program Central Area 7-10-00
Melody Hefner LOA Instructor Western Area 10-1-00
Matthew Henry PA III, Health and Nutrition Southern Area 10-3-00
Dorismaire Hudnall TA II, Health and Nutrition Southern Area 10-9-00
Kari Joyner Senior Office Assistant Western-Douglas County 5-1-00
Marguerite Clark Program Assistant II, Project MAGIC Southern Area 10-1-00
Lori Leas TA II, 4-H Southern Area 10-1-00
Angela O’Callaghan Area Extension Specialist, Social Horticulture Southern Area 10-1-00
Alecia Oceguera TA II Central Area 6-1-00
Ofelia Ricker TA II, Health and Nutrition Southern Area 10-9-00
Daniel Simmons Extension Educator Pahrump 10-1-00
Employees Leaving Extension:
Name Title Department Resignation
Deanna Anderson TA II Southern Area 9-12-00
Jacqueline Carroll TA II Western Area 9-29-00
Nicholas Farrey TA II Southern Area 8-25-00
Justin Lobretto TA II, 4-H camp Western Area 9-30-00
Joshua Marriott TA II, 4-H camp Western Area 9-30-00
Linsay Oakden Administrative Aid Central Area 8-21-00
Catherine Perkins Student Worker Administration 6-30-00
Lacey Russell Student Worker Administration 6-30-00
Jacquie Simmons Clerk Douglas County 5-1-99