SPRING 1999

In this issue   Fire Service Institute helps rural areas find water supplies for firefighting   Child Care That Works lives up to its name   Commercials win award   Extension, community colleges take on Y2K   Study builds bridges between business, environment   Certificate program designed to fit John Deere   Volunteers key to Citizens Advisory Council   1999 Iowa 4-H Youth Conference   Did you know Extension did that?   Farm economy: Take positive approach to find solutions __________ The Extension Connection Spring 1999 homepage

Volunteers key to Citizens Advisory Council In many varied ways citizens contribute to Iowa State University Extension - not for financial compensation but because of a belief in ISU Extension's work and potential. ISU Extension serves Iowa citizens and listens closely to them. One way this happens is through the Citizens Advisory Council (CAC), a group of 30 Iowans each serving three-year terms. The CAC meets twice a year to provide counsel to ISU Extension's vice provost and administration. The CAC membership is diverse, reflecting the variety of extension users in Iowa. For this volunteering of time, ideas and expertise, vice provost Stan Johnson is thankful. "We depend on the CAC members for offering assessments that lead to improvements in our existing programs as well as providing reactions to changes we are planning in the organization and management of ISU Extension. Perhaps best of all, the CAC members have their own ideas on the ways ISU can better serve Iowa - and we listen carefully. We are greatly indebted to the CAC members who so generously volunteer."   Extension makes a difference to Kay Runge Kay Runge's awareness of Extension started as she heard her mother's stories of the 1929 4-H trip to Washington, D.C., and of how she formed the first city 4-H club in Davenport in 1959. Her mother was a strong believer in the difference Extension can make in a person's life because it had made a difference in hers. Kay Runge and Donna Kunde consider an opinion during a Citizens Advisory Council meeting. Kay Runge believes the same. She spent nine years in 4-H and learned some life lessons she now finds invaluable. As the director of the Davenport Library, she also is highly active in her community, serving on boards and raising funds. "I love being involved. I get my energy from people." An ISU alumna, Runge is active in her involvement and support of the university and ISU Extension. Last year she agreed to an appointment on the Citizens Advisory Council. She sees the CAC as an organized vehicle to funnel expertise that citizens have to offer, to bring in new ideas and to help expand productive partnerships.   Lodwick is focused on Iowa's future Seeley Lodwick is focused on the future. Currently a consultant and farm manager in Wever, his history includes the U.S. Marine Corps, work in agribusiness, and service as an Iowa state senator, commissioner of the U.S. International Trade Commission and U.S. undersecretary of agriculture. Seeley Lodwick, left, visits with Lee Meier during a Citizen Advisory Council meeting. Lodwick has been aware of ISU Extension's services, has high regard for extension staff and has used ISU Extension as well. This lent to his sense of commitment to the Citizens Advisory Council. He finds his involvement not only personally satisfying but says that the comments made in meetings prove helpful to ISU Extension and to Iowa. "It is important for Extension to keep a finger on the attitudes and ideas of the community." Advice from the CAC helps to give ISU Extension the future focus that Lodwick finds important. "I believe the long outlook for agricultural states is optimistic, but there will be some blips now and then along the way. That is what we can help with - getting through those blips."