Number CLXIX The Newsletter of Epsilon Sigma PhiJuly 2023

 President's Message

Daphne Richards, National ESP President

Hello there, my fabulous ESP friends! And welcome to July. I hope that many of you have upcoming plans for, or have already taken, some much-needed time away with family and loved ones, to focus on hobbies and relaxation, to go on vacation to a far-away land, or to just unplug and indulge in some “nothing” time. For me, there’s nothing better during a week away from work than a good book and some hammock time. Unfortunately, summers in Texas are far too hot to be outdoors much. The early mornings (as in, before the sun even comes up) are somewhat tolerable, with an iced coffee in-hand, and great for easing my way into the day with melodious birdsong. At this time of year, to beat the heat, I start my days so early that I often find myself curled up on the couch by 8 PM, barely able to keep my eyes open, waiting for it to get dark enough so that I can go to bed! I know that many of you, my busy Extension professional peers, can relate. 

Speaking of “downtime,” I also hope that many of you are not only planning to attend this year’s national conference in Billings, but also planning to build in some extra time in Montana—I sure am! I’m planning to spend a few days in Yellowstone (is anyone else addicted to that feeling you get when you pound a national park stamp into its red ink pad at the ranger station in the gift shop, and then press it ever so carefully into your national park passport book??!) after the conference ends. I do love our national conferences, full of so much great information, inspirational speakers, and wonderful opportunities for networking and camaraderie! Whether this will be your first national conference or your umpteenth, I know that you are really going to love what’s in store for you in Billings. If you haven’t already registered, please do so soon! The early bird rate will expire on July 31. And if reservations at our host and overflow hotels are any indication, this year’s conference is going to be very well-attended.

There is much to plan for each year’s national conference, and this year is no exception. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with the wonderful Montana host-state team, and I’m so excited for them to show all of you their amazing hospitality. From the tours to the opening event, to the awards banquet, to the closing session, I think this is going to be one special conference. The first ESP national conference that I ever attended was in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where I heard the amazing Dr. Waded Cruzado speak for the first time. At that national conference, Dr. Cruzado, the President of Montana State University, gave one of the most memorable and inspirational keynote presentations that I’ve ever experienced, so I’m beyond excited that she is going to be speaking at our opening session in Billings! A truly full-circle moment for me, and an opportunity not to be missed, whether you’ve heard her speak before or not.

One of many important aspects of our national conference is our evening of fund-raising, including both live and silent auctions. Many chapters, and even the national board, put together baskets of unique items to donate, and there are often challenges to get everyone excited about raising money for our development fund. One such challenge involves the President’s Key.

Each year, the national board commissions a wooden key to be “given” to the president, and everyone at conference is given the opportunity to sign the back of the key, in honor of the president—such a wonderful tradition! I say “given,” because, historically, the key used to be placed on the live auction block. In those days, it was expected that the president would outbid all others for the privilege of taking the hand-carved key home as a prized memento of their time serving on the national board. To keep things lively during the event, national past-presidents would ramp up the bidding against the honoree, to raise more funds. Thankfully, we don’t force our national presidents to “fight” in the live auction for their key anymore, but we do encourage a bit of a challenge with the key to raise funds. So, I’m challenging you! And asking you to please consider making a donation in honor of the President’s Key. All donations are tax-deductible, and are used to support our scholarships, grants, recognition, stipends, and other awards, so all donations go to a very good cause! Would you please make a donation in honor of the President’s Key?! If you choose to donate online or during conference registration, simply select the “Honorarium” button and write either my name, Daphne Richards, or “President’s Key” in the box that asks you to name the person in whose honor you are donating. If donating in-person at the national conference, just be sure to say “this is in support of the President’s Key” when you fill out your donation form. It would really mean a lot to me, and to our organization, if you donated! But whether you donate or not, I truly hope to see you all in Big Sky Country! 

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Meet Your Newly Elected Board Members!

2nd Vice President: Lisa Ingram

Lisa Ingram has been employed by West Virginia University Extension since 2014 as a 4-H Youth Development Agent.  She is currently an Assistant Professor and serves as the County Program Coordinator.  Prior to her work in Extension, she was a Professor of Respiratory Care, Director of Clinical Education, and a Division Chairperson at West Virginia Northern Community College for sixteen years.

She has been a member of the West Virginia Phi Chapter where she has served on the Recognition Committee.   She has presented four national seminar/poster sessions, as well as a webinar on the WV Career Readiness Program for ESP.  She serves as an Affiliate Member of the Professional Development Committee and was recently named the Northeast Early Career Service and Distinguished Team Award Winner for 2023. 

Lisa received the prestigious West Virginia University Foundation Outstanding Teaching award in 2022 for her extensive programming in vaping prevention, cyberbullying education, and STEM.  She is currently completing a pilot study on a career readiness program for middle school students developed with a team of colleagues at WVU Extension.   In addition to school enrichment programs, her rural county boasts nearly 300 community club 4-H members and over 65 vetted volunteers.  She co-directs two weeks of residential county 4-H camps each year and coordinates an Energy Express program promoting summer literacy in her county. 

Lisa and her husband, Rob, live outside of Wheeling, West Virginia, They have a daughter, two sons, and two grandchildren.  During her time on the board, she hopes to inspire other professionals to take advantage of the benefits that Epsilon Sigma Phi has to offer and to create growth and sustainability in the organization.  


Western Region Vice President: Roubie Younkin

Roubie Younkin, is a Montana State University Extension Youth Development/Family and Consumer Science Agent in Valley County. Roubie currently serves as the President of the Montana Alpha Chapter of ESP where she shares the importance of professional development opportunities for all Extension Professionals.

Roubie’s role in Extension has provided a kaleidoscope of learning experiences and has developed her abilities to support and engage participants of all ages.  Every day is an adventure, whether planning programming, conducting educational events, or reflecting on the outcomes and impacts of her programs. For over 15 years her focus has been on positive youth development with particular emphasis on at-risk youth. She believes that the potential for change is a core strength of all youth—a strength that can be built upon.

As an added dimension, Roubie owns and operates a ranch west of Glasgow, MT where she raises Angus cattle with her children. She takes an active role in promoting the livestock industry and agriculture in general. Of particular interest is the impacts of stress in agriculture. 

Roubie looks forward to representing the Western Region and sharing ideas to promote professional development and membership in ESP.

Sandi Graham 

North East Region Vice President: Sandi Graham

Sandi Graham is a 4-H Educator in Lackawanna County Pennsylvania. She has 24 years of family and consumer sciences teaching experience at the middle, high school, and college level. Her undergraduate degrees are in Home Economics Education and Nutrition from Mansfield University.  She earned a Master’s degree in Sports Nutrition from Georgia State University.


Honor our National President when giving to the endowed Development Fund

Submitted by David S. Ross, Resource Development and Management Committee

ESP presents its woodenESP Key Plaque to honor the outgoing National President while fundraising.  Years ago the key plaque was auctioned off to the President in a fun auction event at conference.  Now it is still a fundraising event but it is supported by making honorariums in the name of the National President, Daphne Richards.  This way the donor is credited for the tax deductible contribution and is recognized in the Key Level Giving annual list.  Please keep this in mind when giving.

Please consider making an honorarium contribution now or when you register for the 2023 National Conference.

For a contribution of $100 or more, a collectible Montana conference pin will be reserved for you.

Contributions made to the development fund at this time will be credited towards the 2024 campaign year. You donate on the National ESP Website or you can write a check to ESP Development Fund and mail it to ESP National Office, PO Box 1440, Owasso, Oklahoma 74055.

The Development Fund is an important professional development education funding source so growing this endowed fund to generate income is important.

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Auction Items Needed for National ESP Conference in Montana

Submitted by Marsha Goetting, Alpha Chapter

The Annual Epsilon Sigma Phi (ESP) conference is September 25 – 28, 2023 at the Double Tree by Hilton in Billings, Montana. As in the past, we would appreciate receiving donations for the LIVE and SILENT auctions. These two auctions have been a tradition at each ESP Conference.  The funds received from the auction are used for ESP recognition awards, scholarships, and grants given to our members.  In addition, you can have “fun” outbidding your colleagues for the item you really, really want to take home. 

Please deliver your items to the Auction Table during the registration times near the Registration Desk at the conference on Monday, September 25, or Tuesday, September 26.  An Auction Committee member will receive them. Please complete the ESP Auction Donation Form with a description and the estimated value of your item.  The link to the form is at: https://www.montana.edu/familyeconomics/espliveauctionform.pdf.  Upon request, we will provide you with a receipt.

  • If you plan to donate item(s) for the auction, each of your items will need to be registered. Use the Donation Form for each item you donate to the auction. Complete the form(s) and turn both in at the Auction Table near the Registration Desk.  Include a description and an estimated value for the item. If it is an item for the live auction, the description can help create interest among the buyers, particularly when there is a history or story about it.
  • If you wish to ship an item, please send it to:

Marsha Goetting

ESP Auction Chair

PO Box 172800                                                                                                                                 

210F Linfield Hall

Bozeman, MT, 59717


Ship your donation so it will arrive in Bozeman on or before September 22, 2023. Remember to include the ESP Auction Donation Form https://www.montana.edu/familyeconomics/espliveauctionform.pdf in your shipment. 

Questions? From August 22- September 6 contact please Keri Hayes at khayes@montana.edu, Phone: (406) 994-3511. From September 7 – 23 Marsha Goetting, Auction Committee Chair, can be contacted via email: marsha.goetting@montana.edu.  

Extension Award Winner Spotlight

Who: Donna Beliech, Area Horticulturist / Urban Forester

Mississippi State University Extension Service

Chapter: Rho – Mississippi

Scholarship: Public Issues Leadership Development Scholarship (PILD)

Award: $600

What was the highlight for you while attending PILD?

I needed to think about and communicate my ‘Why … not just Who I am & What I do’. 

The ‘WHY, what I do matters and how it impacts others’.

What did you learn from attending the PILD Conference?

I need to add all my Congress people to my newsletter lists. Make sure multiple copies of the quarterly published, ‘Extension Matters’  Magazine are sent to their offices so those visiting or in the waiting area can pick it up and read about Extension Service activities and accomplishments.  

Would you encourage other Extension professionals to participate in the conference?

Great place to meet others from varied professional backgrounds but organized under the same national system.

Fascinating to learn about the different management styles and positions in other states.

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Life Member Recruitment and Updating Members Workshops

Join the Membership Recruitment and Retention Committee for “Life Member Recruitment and Updating Members Workshops” on  July 26, or August 23 at 3:00 Eastern Time. The workshop includes an hour of camaraderie as you discover life member recruitment ideas and how to update your life membership list. 

Here is the zoom link for any of the workshops: https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/93602172132?pwd=MGtYSkM1anN6TnBrUWE0cUUrNzR4dz09

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Save the Date: First Time Conference Attendee Event

Will our Annual Conference in Billings be your first National ESP Conference? If you answered yes, then please attend our ‘First Time Conference Attendee’ Event on Monday, September 25th from 3 pm to 4 pm. Learn all about the conference sessions, meet new people, and enter our drawing for an Amazon gift card.

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Two Ways to Support ESP Development Fund at the 2023 ESP National Conference

Resource Management and Development Committee

We’re so excited to announce that beginning this year there are two ways in which you can support the ESP Development Fund in conjunction with the national conference. The first is the traditional $100 donation to receive the conference lapel pin. The second is a brand new option as we prepare to celebrate Epsilon Sigma Phi’s 100th anniversary in 2027. For the five years leading up to the 100th anniversary celebration, members will have the opportunity to purchase a commemorative sticker for $19.27 (we were chartered in 1927). Those who purchase a commemorative sticker in each of the five years will have contributed a total of $96.35 to the endowment and be given the opportunity to donate an additional $3.65 to make it an even $100 in celebration of 100 years.

There are two ways donations can be made toward the yearly commemorative pin and the special anniversary commemorative stickers. Donations can be made as an add-on when you register for the conference, or you can make the donations and receive the pin and sticker on location during the conference. Either way you’ll be supporting a great cause!

Click here to reserve your pin or sticker today!

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Save the Date

ESP Webinar Series:

MRR Life Member Recruitment and Update Workshops:

  • July 26, 3:00 PM Eastern Time
  • August 23, 3:00 PM Eastern Time

2023 ESP National Conference September 24-28 Billings, Montana

2024 ESP National Conference October 27-31 Virginia Beach, Virginia

Deadlines

ESP National Conference Early Bird Registration closes July 31

Special Announcement

Having a hard time finding a room in Billings? Don't worry, and certainly don't let it discourage you from attending! ESP National Conference overflow housing will be available soon! We have secured extra rooms at The Northern Hotel directly across from the Double Tree in Billings. The rate will be $159 per night. Rooms are limited and when the booking link is ready from the property we will email it out to membership and update the housing website. 

This newsletter is a publication of Epsilon Sigma Phi, Inc. - The Extension Professionals' Organization

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