Those in attendance:

Judy Harrison (for Jorge Atiles)
Joanne Bankston
Eunice Bonsi
Katherine Cason
Evelyn Crayton
Thelma Sanders-Hunter
Irene K. Lee
Ellen Murphy
Glenn Muske
Claudette Smith
Krystal Smith
Anne Sortor
Nayda Torres
Judy Warren
Carolyn Nobles and
Shirley Hastings.

Meeting was called to order by Shirley Hastings, Chair at 8:38 am.  Motion made by Thelma Sanders-Hunter to accept the minutes as corrected.  Motion was seconded by Judy Warren.

The Advisors were unable to participate on the call; therefore, Shirley presented Margaret Hale’s report.  “Encourage everyone to submit credentials to the Journal of Extension (JOE) to serve as reviewers.  Also announce Extension job vacancies and positions via the JOE job bank.

Securities Exchange Commission Partnership – Evelyn Crayton reported that the focus of this program is to get partnerships established in each state to sponsor financial literacy.  Small proposals up to $5000 can be awarded to host conferences. They will also sponsor the luncheon during the conference.  Highly recommended that we need to access these funds and partnership.

Joanne Bankston suggested that we also consider reviewing the University of Idaho’s website for additional resources relating to financial literacy.

Obesity Community of Practice – Judy Warren stated that it was funded.  They are in the process or selecting teams.  More information will be shared during the Nashville meeting.  Judy sent the Obesity Survey out again to the FCS list serve and received additional data.  She asked for suggestions on how to compile the report.  Evelyn Crayton is planning to meet in Washington to discuss establishing an Obesity Center in Alabama.  Shirley asked to put Childhood Obesity Data on the agenda for the spring meeting and discuss how to disseminate the data. 

CECP Report – presented by Judy Harrison (for Jorge Atiles) reported that all module teams are making progress.  A reminder was sent to the CECP Steering Committee for an award to be presented to teams working on this project.

PLN Update - Thelma Sanders-Hunter reported that the committee met on April 17, 2008 and among they discussed taking a look at the structure of PLN.  They plan to develop a draft to be shared with Extension Administrators and Directors. Dr. Lyons mentioned the joint meeting of ARD/AEA in Memphis, TN – June 8-11, 2008. Nina Boston will take the leadership for orientation of Program Leaders concerning the Plan of Action and submission of those plans.  Also will be addressed are the roles and responsibilities of that position. 

Spring Meeting – Shirley is still working on confirming transportation from the airport in Nashville to the Embassy Suites Hotel in Franklin, TN.  The meeting will start at noon on Thursday, May 15.

Caring Hands Update presented by Judy Warren - we are in very good fiscal shape.  She asked that we inform her of deaths of FCS Program Leaders’ parents, siblings or children as well as marriages.  She would like to send a card on our behalf.  Nayda agreed to follow up on members who would be retiring and provide that information to Judy.  Evelyn Crayton informed us of the recent loss of her sister and requested prayer.

Carolyn Nobles shared some of the conversation with Cynthia Tuttle regarding the National FCS Program Leaders meeting during Galaxy.  She asked if there were agenda items to be included for the meeting.  Items mentioned:  ECOP and mentoring for specialist or state faculty.

  STATE REPORTS

Krystal Smith – WV:  planning to train the 1890 staff in Memphis, TN on the Can You Repeat That Please, Health Literacy program.  The program has been accepted by the National Catholic Diocese. 

Evelyn Crayton – AL:  position announced for a regional agent with a master’s degree in nutrition/dietetics.

Eunice Bonsi – AL:  networking with three universities collecting baseline date on Obesity Prevention in Head Start Centers.

Anne Sortor – AR:  recently hired an assistant professor for health, also 10 of their proposals were selected to be presented at CYFAR.

Ellen Murphy – LA:  Smart Bodies is in their third year of implementation.  The Director plans to purchase another Body Walk Exhibit.

Nayda Torres – FL:  an Elder Nutrition and Food Safety Curriculum is being piloted.  New program started – intergenerational families.

Judy Warren – TX:  position posted for limited resource evaluation specialist with nutrition background.  Ri$e Up on Wall Street will be unveiled on July 9th. 

Carolyn Nobles – TX:  Entire FCS staff registered to attend the CYFAR Conference.  CEP will conduct a session regarding Project D.E.A.P – their diabetes outreach program.  They received additional funding from the Texas Diabetes Council to continue the diabetes project.  They will also exhibit the Body & Soul Program during the program showcase.  Continuing to interview and hire EFNEP staff. 

Claudette Smith – NC:  the NC Saves Campaign reached their goal.  A nutrition position has been posted.

Glenn Muske – OK:  the new Dean hired for the college is working well with Extension.  In process of filling the Associate Dean Position and Housing/Consumer Specialist position.

Thelma Sanders-Hunter – TN:  Health Education Specialist and Dean have been hired.  TSU received the McGrath Award. 

Meeting adjourned.