Member news – ESP Lambda Chapter Professional Development

February 26, 2024Celeste Carmichael No Comments

CCE Saratoga County is seeking hosts for Master Food Preserver workshops

The trend toward local foods and concern over where our food comes from, especially since the pandemic, has led to a resurgence of interest in home food preservation. Cornell Cooperative Extension has a long history of being a trusted and reliable source of information and education on this topic, and we strive to keep it that way. The goal of the Master Food Preserver workshop is to train CCE staff and volunteers so they have the knowledge and confidence to teach home food preservation to others.

The CCE Master Food Preserver program is taught by educators Diane Whitten, CCE Saratoga County and Karen Mort, CCE Albany County. The three-day Master Food Preserver workshop covers all the methods of home food preservation including: the scientific basis of food preservation, boiling water and pressure canning procedures, pickling procedures including fermentation and quick pickling, making gelled products, freezing and dehydration principles, plus other related preservation information.

Hosts are responsible for the cost of educational materials (copies of handbook, food, canning jars, etc.), hotel for the instructors, lunch for participants and a fee of $2500 paid to CCE Saratoga County. The host sets the price for attendance.

Maximum participants is 21. Participants may be staff, potential/current volunteers, or members of the public, they can be from one or more counties – the host can decide the purpose and the audience. If you are interested in hosting a Master Food Preserver training in your county, contact Diane Whitten for more information at dwhitten@cornell.edu.

The following weeks are available for these three day workshops. Dates should be selected at least two months prior to the workshop to allow your association ample marketing time.

2024 Master Food Preserver Program Dates

April 30 – May 2 CCE Cattaraugus County

May 14-16 OPEN

May 29-31 OPEN

June 11-13 CCE Seneca County (tentative)

More information about the Master Food Preserver Program can be found here: https://ccesaratoga.org/nutrition-food/master-food-preserver

February 21, 2024Celeste Carmichael No Comments

The Art of Gathering- Strategies for Boosting Attendance and Participation

ESP to co-sponsor book-read around boosting attendance and participation

You may have seen in Program Staff News, that Kelly Campbell and Tess Southern are co-leading a collective book read and discussions around the book The Art of Gathering, by Priya Parker https://www.priyaparker.com/book-art-of-gathering . The topic is of interest to many right now, and ESP Lambda Chapter is co-sponsoring this initiative as we want to encourage participation.

A little more info:
Shared purpose and inclusive approaches within meetings and teams can be challenging. This six-week series of biweekly gatherings will help you connect with colleagues looking to create engaging meetings, read and reflect on strategies, and create a plan to transform your own meeting.

If you’re interested and ready to fully engage in the Art of Gathering, register by March 1st and we’ll share how to prepare for our first gathering. For more information or questions about the experience, contact Kelly Campbell kmc86@cornell.edu or Tess Southern tas264@cornell.edu.

February 15, 2024Celeste Carmichael No Comments

ESP Lambda Chapter Announces Annual Meeting Date for 2024

Save the Date – December 12 – 1pm – 3pm Zoom

“Why announce annual meeting dates now? ” you might ask. 1. because we want you to come! and 2. because the topic is one sure to be of interest.

“How to Energize Your Committee: Strategies for Boosting Attendance and Participation” is the professional development tied to ESP Lambda Chapter Annual Meeting this year. The topic will connect with a book read – “The Art of Gathering” by Priya Parker being hosted by Kelly Campbell, CCE Volunteer Engagement Specialist.

And yes, registration is up – sign up now and mark your calendar – https://cornell.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMlduqprjMjHtFo8B8ENxLeXV0xw4PilRvd

February 15, 2024Celeste Carmichael No Comments

Professional Development Offering – Generative AI and Extension Work | sponsored by ESP Lambda Chapter

March 7, 2024 — 11am — Zoom
All are welcome!

Generative AI is all the buzz. What is it, and how can it be appropriate for Extension Work? Join Epsilon Sigma Phi, Lambda Chapter for professional development on this relevant topic. Learn about generative AI techniques like brainstorming with you, helping build drafts of lesson plans, and revising text for plain language. Ethical considerations are also addressed, ensuring that participants understand the responsible use of AI in extension work. We will leave time for peer-to-peer sharing as well (so bring your experiences to share).

Register: https://cornell.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMlce2vqzsjG9C-GRZGUF5X3aJnx7dJBgOE

December 5, 2023Celeste Carmichael No Comments

“Hybrid Harmony: Enhancing Meetings Through Seamless Online and In-Person Collaboration” – December 14 – 1pm

with Charlie Pane – Outreach and Engagement Manager, CCE Ulster County + ESP Lambda Chapter member

We are often hosting meetings for an in person and online team – but just how do we make those meetings run well? The convergence of virtual and physical spaces is essential for fostering meaningful connections and maximizing productivity. In this webinar Charlie Pane will share his experiences for mastering the art of seamless hybrid collaboration. The webinar will cover three key pillars:

Program Design Mastery: Strategies for crafting engaging agendas that cater to both virtual and physical attendees – balancing content delivery, interactive elements, and inclusive participation to ensure everyone feels connected and valued.
Production Setup and Technology Logistics: How do you use the technology at hand to do the job or what would help if you have a budget? From audiovisual setups to camera placements and hybrid-friendly software, what are some secrets to a flawless technical execution?
Optimizing Hybrid Meeting Dynamics: Uncover techniques to facilitate smooth communication and interaction between online and in-person participants. We will also talk about tips for managing group dynamics, fostering engagement, and addressing challenges unique to hybrid setups.

Join us as we consider ways to redefine how we implement hybrid meetings…and stay if you are able for the Epsilon Sigma Phi Lambda Chapter Annual Meeting. More peer-to-peer topics on the ESP-Lambda chapter page: https://blogs.cornell.edu/esp-lambda/

September 29, 2023Celeste Carmichael No Comments

Save the Date! National Conf for 2024 will be hosted in the Northeast (driveable!)

Colleagues –

Save the date – ESP will host the national conference for 2024 in Virginia Beach. Mark your calendar for Oct 27-31. We are hoping to have a group attend. There is ESP Lambda Chapter funding for members if interested.

Time to consider…what should we present? Are there options for traveling down together? Etc.

September 22, 2023Celeste Carmichael No Comments

Good Practices for Hybrid Meetings + Annual Meeting | sponsored by ESP Lambda Chapter

We have all been to meetings where Hybrid formats don’t work, we may have even been the organizer for some. Join us to hear from experts and practitioners about how-to (and how not to) welcome staff in person and virtually.

ESP Lambda Chapter’s annual meeting will follow the presentation and questions. All are welcome to attend!

Registration link: https://cornell.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUld-ytrjkuGtA5jsgnfbxhcCw9bJv6Vm2H