June 2008, Volume 20, Number 3 - UTIA!

HONOR AIR-KNOXVILLEDr. James Pointer, retired Professor, Ornamental Horticulture andLandscape Design, a World Wart II veteran, shares his experiencevisiting Washington DC with Knoxville area veterans.Honor Air-Knoxville, an organization founded byEddie Mannis, President and CEO of Prestige Cleaners,to recognize American Veterans for their sacrifice andachievements during World War II and reward themwith a free trip to Washington, DC, to see the WWIIMemorial and other historical monuments.I was fortunate to be among 113 Veterans scheduledon the second chartered flight May 21, 2008. Let mesay up front that when I returned from WWII, I, likemillions of other veterans–and many of our Universityof Tennessee Extension Veterans will relate to that–were not received by bands, parades, etc., welcomingus home. We came home looking for jobs andopportunities knowing what we had accomplished inwar was our duty to our country.Honor Air-Knoxville made up for all we had missed63 years ago.At 7:00 a.m. we met at the Knoxville Airport wherewe were assigned to a Red, White, or Blue group anda Guardian–a leader responsible for four Veterans sowe would stay on schedule and not get lost. He wasresponsible for our every need to see that this trip wastruly a perfect experience.Before arriving at the airport safety clearance point,we passed through an Honor Guard represented bydifferent branches of Service, at attention saluting theVeterans, several people waving flags, and a bandplaying. After clearance, we heard the Knoxville Cityand Knox County Mayors make congratulatoryspeeches and met some of the sponsors of HonorAir–Knoxville. We then boarded our chartered U.S.Airways plane headed to Washington. As we left theterminal, fire engines sprayed an arch of water underwhich our plane passed during our departure.We were served breakfast on the plane, relaxed, andgot acquainted with those seated nearby. After about anhour and fifteen minutes and a smooth flight, wearrived at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airportwhere we were met by a large crowd from theAmerican Legion and other auxiliary groups, plus aband. Even the ground crew directing the plane to theproper concourse were waving American flags insteadof their usual flags, and a large number of employeesat the parking dock were also waving flags.I was wearing a 42nd Rainbow Division cap, andwhen I left the plan in Washington a U.S. Airwaysemployee ran up to me to shake hands and tell me thathe also served in the 42nd Rainbow Division. I did notask when, but his age would indicate years after I hadserved.There were three tour buses waiting for us. Theywere marked Red, White, or Blue for the three groups.But they had to wait until we had an opportunity toinspect the airport restrooms.With a police escort we left for the WWIIMemorial. I must say it is a spectacular place, morebeautiful than shown in pictures–a worthy tribute to allWWII service men and to a great nation.Senator Bob Dole was there to greet us, and laterour Tennessee Senators Alexander and Corker andCongressman John Duncan greeted us. We had a boxlunch in a large tent that was erected for us.After lunch we boarded buses and were off to theNavy, Vietnam, Korean, and Lincoln Memorials. Aswe were leaving the area, my White Bus caught on fire.I think an air conditioner compressor froze up and thebelts spinning on the compressor caught fire. We gotoff the bus in front of the U.S. Department ofAgriculture building and waited 45 minutes for anotherbus to be dispatched.This caused us to be behind schedule and we had tosettle for a drive-by visit to the Air Force, Navy, andMarine Memorials in order to pick up our schedule forthe Changing of the Guard at Arlington NationalCemetery, at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.After a very solemn and beautiful Changing of theGuard and Changing of the Wreath, we departed for theAirport to return home. Other historical points ofinterest were pointed out to us as we traveled–theWashington and Jefferson Monuments, the Capitol,and General Robert E. Lee's Home. No one mentionedthat Arlington Cemetery is situated on General Lee'sFarm which was confiscated from him for his role inthe Confederate War.We received special treatment while clearing airportsecurity. We were not required to take off our shoes orshow our boarding pass!We had a box dinner in flight to Knoxville andarrived around 7:45 p.m. to another royal welcomefrom airport employees, visitors, and family members.It was truly a marvelous trip, and I will always begrateful to Eddie Mannis, Prestige Cleaners ofKnoxville, other sponsors, and all those who worked sohard to make this trip possible.James Pointer (as of May 27, 2008)FUTIAWA Newsletter 20-3page 5

NEW YEAR – NEW STATE LEADERSPast President Harry Bryan and past secretary–treasurer Bob Burney met with the newly electedFUTIAWA state officers in early June to transferleadership of the association to the new offices.The new officers, elected by the delegates atthe state association meeting in May are: RoyLessly, president and Alma Pike,secretary–treasurer. They will serve a one–yearterm during fiscal year 2009. Both are eligiblefor reelection for another one–year term nextyear.A complete listing of state and district officerswho will serve for fiscal year 2009 can be foundon page 9 of this newsletter.We express sincere appreciation to theoutgoing state and district officers–StatePresident Harry Bryan, StateSecretary–Treasurer Bob Burney, CentralDistrict President Glenda Booker, CumberlandDistrict President Clare Nell Breeden, andCumberland District Secretary Alma Jean Johnson–fortheir leadership activities and support during the pasttwo years. Each has contributed many hours of worktoward the develop of programs and activities forassociation members. Thanks to each of you for yoursupport of FUTIAWA.State Secretary–Treasurer Alma Pike takes notes as retiringSecretary–Treasurer explains how the card file is used tokeep membership records.The new fiscal year is the time for most annualmembers to pay their association dues. A few memberspaid their annual dues in January or February for thecalendar year 2009. Lifetime members do not payannual dues.Our records show that the following annual membersshould pay their dues during July to keep theirRetiring President Harry Bryan (right) discussed theresponsibilities of the FUTIAWA president with newly electedPresident Roy Lessly.membership current: Mary Frances Carter, Jim Collins,Marcus Davis, Bob Demote, Frederick Harper, ArnoldHunter, Betty Sue Johnson-Young, W. Harold Julian,Ruth Maberry, Jack McDaniel, Louise Morris,Ruth Taylor Penner, Gertie Porter, RamonaRobertson, Virginia Roos, Patsy Yates, andCatherine York.===========NEW ASSOCIATION MEMBERSFormer UTIA workers who have recently joinedFUTIAWA as lifetime members are:• Doyle G. Meadows, 31 Deer Trace Rd.,Fayetteville, TN 37334, 931-433-8885,dgm@fpunet.com, Professor, Animal Science,Extension Horse Specialist.• B. H. Pentecost, 2025 Walnut Hills Drive,Knoxville, TN 37920, 865-577-8544, AssistantVice President for Agriculture, retired 1994.• Conrad Reinhardt, P.O. Box 32845,Knoxville, TN 37930, 865-693-3877,creinhar@utk.edu, Professor and Leader,Extension Communications. *• Ann R. Sortor, 2141 Gap Creek Drive,Sherwood, Arkansas 72120, 501-835-6292,arsortor@sbcglobal.net, Western Regional ProgramLeader, UT–Extension, Jackson. (continued to next page)FUTIAWA Newsletter 20-3page 6

NEW ASSOCIATION MEMBERS(continued from page 6)• Mary Ann Walkling, 8216 Rising Fawn Drive,Knoxville, TN 37923, 865-691-1672,mawalkling@comcast.net, Senior Accounting Clerk,UTIA Administration, Morgan Hall.* Upgraded from annual member.Annual membership renewals received since lastnewsletter:• Muriel Bradley (3 years)• Louise O. Morris• Rose Welch===========RECENT UTIA RETIREMENTSThe UT Human Resources Office reports the followingperson retired recently from UTIA:• William H. Christmas, Service Aid II, DairyREC, Lewisburg, retired 04-30-2008 with 34.5years of service.===========IN SYMPATHYWe express sincere comfort and speedy healing to thefollowing UTIA employees or retirees:Herb Lester, Extension Central Regional Director, inthe death of his mother, Etta Lester, who passed awayApril 24 at age 89. Cards may be sent to Herb and PatLester, 3409 Daisy Trail, Antioch, TN 37013.Janice and Lafayette Williams in the death ofLafayette's mother on March 25 at age 93. Janiceworked in Putnam County Extension, 1962–66 andExtension Communications, 1967–76. Their homeaddress for cards is: 11180 Thornton Dr., Knoxville,TN 37934.Virginia ‘Ginger’ Roos, retired secretary, ExtensionAdministration, in the death of her daughter, Donna, onMay 14, at age 55. Ginger's address for cards is: 2031Madison Grove Lane, Knoxville, TN 37922Lavonda Phelps, retired administrative supportassistant, UT–Extension Administration, in the death ofher father who passed away May 21. Lavonda's mailingaddress is: 710 Periwinkle Lane, Maryville, TN 37804.Dwight Loveday, assistant professor, 4-H YouthDevelopment, in the death of his mother, FrancisLoveday on May 29, at age 79. Dwight’s address is2054 Mentor Rd., Louisville, TN 37777.===========UTIA FACULTY–STAFF TIDBITSJob Position ChangesAlice Ann Moore, director of 4-H YouthDevelopment, has announced her plans to retireeffective July 31, 2008 after 31 years of service. AliceAnn has served as Extension agent in Grainger County,associate district supervisor, and Eastern Districtdirector prior to being appointed Director of 4-H YouthDevelopment.Steve Sutton, Extension specialist, 4-H YouthDevelopment, has been named Interim Director of 4-HYouth Development effective August 1, 2008.UTIA Faculty and StaffHonors and RecognitionCurtis Stewart, professor, Plant Science Departmenthas received the the W.F. and Golda Moss OutstandingTeaching Award for a faculty member with 10 or feweryears of service at CARNR.Dr. Michael Davidson, professor and head of theDepartment of Food Science and Technology, is thisyear's recipient of the W.F. and Golda MossOutstanding Teaching Award for a faculty memberwith more than ten years of experience.Dr. Neal Schrick, professor of animal science, hasreceived the W.S. Overton Faculty Merit Award. Theaward is presented each year to a CASNR facultymember who makes notable contributions to and has apositive impact on the development of students.Sandy Kitts, principal secretary, Plant SciencesDepartment, has received the CASNR OutstandingStaff Award for 2008.Two Extension Service representatives have beenelected to serve the next three-year term on the UTIAAdvisory Council, beginning in July 2008. They are:Mannie Bedwell, Extension agent, Hamblen County,Eastern Region, representing Tennessee Association ofAgricultural Agents and Specialists.Lynn Brookins, Extension program leader, WesternRegion, representing regional directors.At the recent TAE4-HW annual meeting, 18 Extensionfaculty members were recognized for outstandingservice to the 4-H Youth Development program.Congratulations to the following:Distinguished Service Award* Joe Griffy, Stewart County* Larry Moorehead, Moore County* Terri Quillin, W.P. Ridley 4-H Center* Taunee Whitenbarger, Cumberland CountyMeritorious Service Award* Darrell Hale, Lincoln County(continued to next page)FUTIAWA Newsletter 20-3page 7

UTIA Faculty and StaffHonors and Recognition (continued from page 7)George Foster Award* Johnny Barnes, Wilson County* Carol McDonald, Smith County* Karen Nelms, Grainger County* Todd Wilson, Rhea CountyAchievement in Service* Donna Calhoun, Polk County* Janae Cooke, Maury County* Sarah Vaden, Anderson CountyAmerican Spirit Award* Joseph Donaldson, Extension Evaluation and StaffDevelopmentAir Force Recruiting Salute Award* Doyle Meadows, Animal Science retiredCaula Beyl, Dean of the College of Agriculture andNatural Resources, has been elected a fellow of theAmerican Society of Horticultural Science.Information Specialist Sandra Harbison and MediaCoordinator, Greg Hirshoren with the College ofVeterinary Medicine are responsible for the cover storyof the spring issue of Tennessee Alumnus Magazine.The Tennessee Turfgrass Association presented itsDistinguished Service Award to Neil Rhodes,professor, Plant Science.Wayne Clatterbuck, Extension forester, has beennamed the Forest L andowner’s Association ExtensionForester of the Year.===========PART–TIME EMPLOYMENTOPPORTUNITY FOR RETIREESThe UT Office of Undergraduate Admissions islooking for 20 retired members of the educational orprofessional community–counselors, teachers, professors,principals or social workers, for example–to assistin reading applications and selecting students for theUT freshman class of 2009.Persons interested in being part of the review teamshould be prepared to participate in training sessionsand to review applications from October 2008 throughFebruary 2009. The number of hours each reader willwork per week is flexible, but it is expected to take atleast 15–20 hours a week. The budget for this projectis pending, but they expect to be able to pay $12.50 perhour.Intensive training concerning the review process,criteria for consideration, and software associated withdocument review will be available.UTIA retirees–especially recent retirees who haveworked in the 4-H youth educational program–may beinterested in this employment opportunity. Theemployment application is posted athttp://hr.utk.edu/employment.shtml. Contact: HeatherHatfield, Undergraduate Admissions, 320 StudentServices Bldg., Knoxville, TN 37996, e-mail:hhatfiel@utk.edu or phone 865-974-1187 for moreinformation.===========UTIA SUMMER EVENTS“Beef and Forage Field Day,” East Tennessee REC–Blount Unit, June 12, 7:30 a.m.“Fruits of the Backyard Field Day,” Middle TennesseeREC, June 17, 1:00 p.m.“Tobacco, Beef and More Field Day,” Highland RimREC, June 26, 7:30 a .m.“Blooms Days,” East Tennessee REC—UT Gardens,June 28, 9:00 a.m. and June 29, 11:00 a.m.Tennessee Junior Livestock Exposition–Beef Events,July 7–10, Murfreesboro.“Summer Celebration,” West Tennessee REC, July 10,10:00 a.m.Tennessee Junior Livestock Exposition–Sheep Events,July 14–17, Cookeville.“Tobacco and Forage Production Field Day,” REC atGreeneville, July 17, 8:00 a.m.State 4-H Roundup, July 21–25, Knoxville.“Milan No-Till Field Day,” REC at Milan, July 24,7:00 a.m.“Steak and Potatoes Field Day,” Plateau REC, August5, 8:00 a.m.===========The development of a sustainable biofuels industry inTennessee has taken another leap forward. The U.S.Department of Energy has announced that MascomaCorporation, with UT, is among the recipients of a $ 26million grant for the development of biomassconversion technology.In April, the College of Veterinary Medicineunderwent an accreditation site visit by as team fromthe American Veterinary Medical Association Councilon Education.FUTIAWA Newsletter 20-3page 8

STATE and DISTRICT FUTIAWA OFFICERSState OfficersRoy R. Lessly, President9522 W. Aiken LaneKnoxville, TN 37922865-690-8659rlessly@comcast.netHarry D. Bryan, Past President9628 Briarwood DriveKnoxville, TN 37923865-690-2813harry@bryangroup.netAlma R. Pike, Secretary-Treasurer157 Country Walk DrivePowell, TN 37849865-938-8362George C. Mays, Comm. DirectorP.O. Box 1767Greeneville, TN 37744423-638-8624; 865-904-4743gmays @ utk.eduCentral DistrictMarie B. Anglin, Vice President124 Valley View DriveAshlin City, TN 37015615-792-5927marieanglin@bellsouth.netRobbie C. Adcock, Secretary972 Rock Springs Rd.Christiana, TN 37037615-893-5511Cumberland DistrictMark L. Beeler, Vice President195 Walnut Grove Rd.Hartsville, TN 37074615-374-3353mlbeeler@yahoo.comRoger Thackston, Secretary2127 Ona Rd.Crossville, TN 38572931-788-2490rlthack@frontiernet.netSmoky Mountain DistrictThomas J. Bundy, Vice President217 Russell DriveRogersville, TN 37857423-272-3123Alice F. Harless, Secretary2100 Cecil AvenueKnoxville, TN 37917865-522-6538af31581@bellsouth.netWestern DistrictJane H. Connell, Vice PresidentP.O. Box 455Ripley, TN 38063731-635-1951accentsgifts@bellsouth.netHelen B. Mullins, Secretary137 Claiborne DriveJackson, TN 38305731-668-0521kayohelen@jaxnet.netFUTIAWA Newsletter 20-3page 9===========================================================================================================FUTIAWAFormer University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture Workers’ AssociationMembership Enrollment FormName:____________________________________________________________________________________Address:__________________________________________________________________________________City, State, Zip Code: ______________________________________________________________________Phone: Area Code:_____________ – ___________ – ___________________E-mail address: _________________________ @ ________________________________________________I worked at: AG COLLEGE___; EXPT STAT___; EXTENSION___; VET COLLEGE___Last UTIA Employment: Title_________________________________________________________________Department/Location:________________________________________________________________________New Member____; Membership Renewal____; Lifetime Membership $30.00 Annual Membership $3.00A check payable to FUTIAWA in the amount of $_______________ for payment of dues is enclosed.Mail to: Alma R. Pike, FUTIAWA Secretary-Treasurer, 157 Country Walk Drive, Powell, TN 37849

FUTIAWA – The Former University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture WorkersAssociation is an organization of people who worked together and interacted with one anotherduring their careers at The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. Association purposes:• To unite all former Institute of Agriculture workers.• To serve as a communication liaison between the former employees and the present Institute ofAgriculture administration and employees.• To keep all former employees informed of policy and retirement benefit changes.• To solicit all former Institute workers support for Institute programs.• To provide social contact with former co-workers.Membership QualificationsMembership in the Association is open to all former workers at UT-Extension, the College ofAgricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, the Agricultural Experiment Station, and the College ofVeterinary Medicine, or a combination of these units at UTIA.It doesn't matter if you were one of the support staff, a teacher, research scientist, Extensioneducator, a farm worker, custodian, laboratory technician or an administrator. If you worked at UTIA,we welcome you to join FUTIAWA.Our newsletter and web pages are communication links with the Institute and current and retiredemployees. Check out the web site at: www.agriculture.utk.edu/FUTIAWAWhen employees retire or terminate employment at UTIA, their names are added to our mailinglist to receive a couple of complementary issues of the quarterly newsletter and an invitation to thenext regional meeting located closest to their current residence. All retirees are encouraged to jointhe association. Lifetime membership is only $30.00 or you may join for one year for $3.00. Use thebottom section of this page for membership enrollment or to report an address change.FUTIAWA Newsletter 20-3page 10FUTIAWA NewsletterP. O. Box 11628Knoxville, TN 37939-1628RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED