On behalf of JoAnn Powell:

• Front Range Spring Meeting
• CPRS – How to report outputs and updated FAQs – Cary Weiner, Darrin Goodman & Jan Carroll
• We Y FTC & 4-H Robots!
• Congratulations to…
• Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities
• Staffing
• Searches

Front Range Spring Meeting

The Front Range met at Balistreri Vineyards on April 13. Regional awards of excellence were presented to:

• Sue Schneider—Community Partner/Engager
• Lupe Lemos-Sigward—Diversity Promoter
• Thad Gourd—Early Adopter/Program Innovator
• Laurel Kubin—Outstanding Educator/Communicator
• Alison O’Connor—Volunteer Manager

Cairn Reisch, Toby Swaford, Jonathan Vrabec, and Ann Zander were also recognized for their outstanding work.

The region also celebrated it’s quintuple-double for improving by 10 percentage points or more in five of the categories in the annual Commissioner Survey. Well done all—this speaks clearly about your relationships with our local partners and the value they place on your work.

Each of the region’s five strategic planning groups reported out on their work and also solicited input and ideas from their colleagues. Action teams then formed to prioritize the region’s goals and next steps in the areas of staff growth and retention, marketing, enhancing local relevance and value, growing and sustaining partnerships, and developing resources.

Following lunch, Jocelyn Hittle provided an update on the National Western Center, and Lou and Ashley updated us on Extension and the overall Extension strategic planning process. Robert Franklin was the highlight of the day as he facilitated “Tools for more inclusive conversations: How what we don’t know can hurt us.” As small and large groups, we explored real life situations to better understand the difference between our intentions and how our words are received and how to build better bridges among people.

Vineyard staff provided a tour of their operation and hosted staff for a wine tasting following the meeting. Cheers to all―well done.

CPRS – How to report outputs and updated FAQs – Cary Weiner, Darrin Goodman & Jan Carroll

On April 14, we facilitated a Zoom call to clarify how to report Outputs, the updated FAQs.  The recorded webinar is posted at http://extension.colostate.edu/staff-resources/programming-and-reporting/.  Remember that everyone should have first quarter outputs and outcomes entered as of April 10, and monthly through the rest of the year.  If/when you have additional questions about reporting, check first with your PRU.  Darrin is your go-to for technical questions.  Jan is always happy to talk through planning and reporting issues with you, too.

We Y FTC & 4-H Robots!

Five months of intense robotics planning, programming, designing and building culminated on Feb. 18 at the STATE FTC ROBOTICS CHAMPIONSHIPS in Westminster! Three Colorado 4-H teams competed among the 30 statewide FTC teams to vie for the five spots for Western Super Regionals–C² Botz from Clear Creek County, Agribots from El Paso County, and NeCo Robo Knights from Logan/Morgan County.

All teams worked through numerous challenges during the full day of matches, and exemplified “Gracious Professionalism” and “Learning By Doing” throughout.  The NeCo Robo Knights came in 7th overall; and the C² Botz,  came in 20^th, plus they received an FTC CONNECT award.

All the teams/clubs are already busy regrouping, goal-setting and making plans for community outreach and fundraising for the 2017-18 competition season. Way to go, 4-H Robotics!

Congratulations to…

Dan Goldhamer and wife, on the birth of their daughter, Madeline Ann Theresa Hazle-Goldhamer. Madeline was born March 28.

Laurel Kubin, on her pending retirement. At the Front Range Spring Meeting, the region celebrated Laurel’s 46 year Extension career that includes county Extension director/consumer & family educator – Larimer County, 1992 to present; county Extension director in Rio Blanco County, 1971-1988; and county Extension director in Colusa County, CA, 1988-1992. Thank you for your service, Laurel.

Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities

• Experiences and Perspectives of Young Workers Webinar. April 25, 2017. 2 p.m. CT | 3 p.m. ET. Participation in this webinar is free; however, registration is required. Sign up for this session at the Connecting Communities website.
• Developmental Evaluation for Cooperative Extension Community Development Programs. April 27, 2017. 1:00 PM Central / 2:00 PM Eastern. Click here to join the webinar: https://zoom.us/j/115542421. Or iPhone one-tap (US Toll):  +14086380968, 115542421# or +16465588656, 115542421#. Or Telephone: Dial: +1 408 638 0968 (US Toll) or +1 646 558 8656 (US Toll). Webinar ID: 115 542 421.
• Facing the Challenges of Embracing Diversity. May 2, 2017. 1:00 pm MDT. Register here: https://learn.extension.org/events/3044.

Staffing

• Andie Wommack accepted the Douglas Horticulture/Small Acreage Extension Agent position and will start on June 19. Andie has a bachelor’s in Agriculture and Food Systems from Washington State University, and a master’s in Education from Western Governor’s University. Please join us in welcoming Andie to the Front Range Region. Mentors are Deryn Davidson and Jennifer Cook.
• Dan Tedor accepted the Douglas 4H Extension Agent position and will start on June 19. Dan has a bachelor’s in Agriculture from Washington State University, and a master’s in Agricultural Sciences from CSU. Join us in welcoming Dan to the Front Range Region.
• Kelley Rawlsky has resigned as the Broomfield Horticulture & Master Gardener Extension Program Associate. Her last day is May 30. Best wishes, Kelley.

Searches

• #11-17 Boulder 4H Extension Agent—This position was advertised with a close date of April 13. The search committee is reviewing applications and will meet to determine which candidates will move forward to the reference checking phase of the process. Search committee includes: Robert Franklin, Annette Haas, Brenda Kwang, Kevin Miller, JoAnn Powell (chair), and Rob Alexander (Boulder County Parks & Open Space).
• #12-17 Adams FCS Extension Agent—This position has been submitted. We are waiting for approval to move forward. Search committee includes: Thaddeus Gourd, Laurel Kubin, JoAnn Powell (chair), Stewart Nyholm (Adams County Master Gardener), and Dave Riggs (Adams County Housing Authority).
• #13-17 Larimer Director—This position has been submitted. We are waiting for approval to move forward. Search committee includes: Kevin Miller, Alison O’Connor, Lupe Lemos-Sigward, Jean Glowacki, JoAnn Powell (chair), Neil Gluckman (Larimer County Government), and Harry Love (Larimer County Advisory Board Chair).
• #14-17 CSUE Produce Safety Specialist (grant funded, 4-yr term)—This position is part of a 5 year grant “Building a Collaborative Outreach Framework to Support Colorado produce Growers in Understanding and Meeting FSMA related requirements.” PI is Marisa Bunning. This position has been submitted. We are waiting for approval to move forward. Search committee includes: JoAnn Powell (chair), Marisa Bunning, Martha Sullins, Dan Goldhamer, and Steve Bornmann (Colorado Department of Agriculture).
• #__-17 Jefferson MG Coordinator—Shelly Gritten has resigned. Best wishes Shelly. This position is still under review.
• #__-17 CSU Volunteer Specialist—The search committee will meet via conference call to finalize the position description and ad plan. Search committee includes: Connie Cecil, Tami Eggers, Mallory Sikes, Sam Lowry, Kim Morrison, Mary Small, JoAnn Powell (chair), and Kelly Seelhoff (Weld County volunteer).