2008 STATE MEETING MINUTES
by: Bob Burney
State Secretary–Treasurer   

   2008 Annual Meeting of Former University of Tennessee
      Institute of Agriculture Workers Association

The Smoky Mountain District and State Meeting of FUTIAWA was held in Knoxville on April 11, 2008, at Laurel Church of Christ.  Registration and refreshments began at 9:30 am under the direction of Alice Harless, Smoky Mountain District Secretary.  The noon meal was catered by the Knox County 4-H Volunteer Leaders.

After a call to order by Tom Bundy, district Vice President, Bill Reed shared a Thought for the Day on his visit to Cuba.

Reverend Charles Maynard, a United Methodist Church director for camp and retreat ministries,
entertained the group with humorous stories about families and churches in the Smokies and southern Appalachia.  He talked about the importance of sharing your stories with family.
 
The Smoky Mountain District elected Tom Bundy as Vice President and Alice Harless as Secretary.  Ike Sewell served as chairman of the nominating committee.
 
Harry Bryan gave the President’s report.  Bob Burney presented the Treasurer’s report (with an Audit report by LaVerne Farmer). Membership in FUTIAWA is steady and funds are adequate.

Ray Humberd introduced Dr. John Petersen, UT President, who spoke about accomplishments at the UT Institute of Agriculture.  He also commented on UTIA involvement with Biofuels (Switchgrass and Grassoline).

For the State Offices, the committee nominated Roy Lessly, President, Alma Pike, Secretary-Treasurer, and George Mays, Editor.  They were elected to serve for the 2008-2009 year.

Elmer Ashburn read the names of 18 deceased former UTIA workers (May 2007 - March 2008) and shared information about their UT careers. We then observed a moment of silence and prayer.

Alice Ann Moore, state 4-H director, passed out a brochure “Tennessee 4-H A Timeless Tradition”.  She also thanked the Association for their support of the 4-H Poster and Essay Contests and provided a display of the winning entries.

The Invocation before lunch was given by Jesse Francis.

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2008 WESTERN MEETING MINUTES
by: Helen Mullins
District Secretary–Treasurer

WESTERN DISTRICT FUTIAWA ANNUAL MEETING
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
West Tennessee Agricultural Center
Jackson, Tennessee

Those present were: Joyce Hastings, Alpha Worrell, Margaret Love, Bill Butler, Paul Sutton, Ray and Dot Spann, Virginia Stewart, Mr. & Mrs. Elmer Counce, Jane Connell, Gordon & Wyvetta Percell, Gary and Aneita Lentz, Virginia Walker, Mike Smith, Charlie Grooms, and Kayo and Helen Mullins.

The 2008 annual meeting of the Western District Association of former workers in the UT Institute of Agriculture was held at the West Tennessee Agricultural Center in Jackson on April 9, 2008 beginning at 10:00 a.m.

The meeting was called to order by Western District Vice President Jane Connell. She welcomed everyone and thanked them for coming. She also expressed her concern for Marilyn Tritt and George Mays. Both of them had registered to come but had to cancel due to health reasons. She asked that everyone remember them.

Alpha Worrell gave our “Thought for the Day”. She reminded us that our brain may slowly decline as we age. She said our brain does not deteriorate unless we let it. She had these suggestions to keep our brain active:
1. Start off with a positive day, think about what you’re going to do today, what you did yesterday, align your thoughts with your bible study or devotional.
2. Nutrition – feed your brain good things – Omega 3 oil, flax seed, tuna, sardines, mackerel. Are we getting all the Vitamin B that we need, magnesium, potassium. Eat something with glucose every day – cereal for breakfast, potatoes, carrots, beets and other root crops for later in the day.
3. Exercise – at least two times per week, you should walk two miles or more. Always eat a good breakfast then get your exercise by golfing, gardening, etc.
4. Brain aerobics – everyday play bridge or card games, computer games, do crossword and/or sudoka puzzles. Refrain from speed reading – read for the beauty of words. Give your left hand a workout if you’re right handed. Read something different in the newspaper – something that you don’t normally read. Find something of interest such as a musical instrument, keep a journal and record your feelings, socialize – be with other people.

The group observed a moment of silence in memory of deceased members in the Western District. They were: Vera Sue Griffin, Joe Martin and Jesse Pipkin.

The minutes of 2007 meeting were passed out. Jane asked for a report from the nominating committee. They recommended Jane Connell as Vice President and Helen Mullins as Secretary. They were elected by acclimation.

Mr. Harry Bryan the President of the State FUTIAWA was in attendance and made a few remarks. He brought greetings from Buddy Sanders. He said someone called him a few days ago and asked him what is the purpose of this organization’s existence. He said one of the things he told them was that the people enjoyed their careers with UT and wanted to stay connected. He also said that George Mays will be recognized at the state meeting on Friday for his work with this organization. He said we have gained a few members this year. This group sponsors 4-H and essay contests. The charts on the wall behind us were winners in the 4-H poster contest and each one received a $50 savings bond. The state group also purchased new software for $170 to keep our website server up- to-date.

Dennis Jones brought greetings from Dr. DiPietro. He said he is in Georgia visiting with his sister. He said the new research dean is Dr. Brown from the University of Florida. They are doing airport interviews for the new dean of Extension. They are still looking for a new dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. He said there are 860 undergraduate students. He said we should encourage kids to think about the University of TN at Knoxville. They would be able to get some courses there that are not offered at UT Martin. The Institute of Agriculture campus had reached 93% of their $50 million goal to raise funds for UT. They did so good that they have raised their goal to 85 million.

Dr. DiPietro has made some benchmarks – look at student access, what are their success rates, where are they going. Research and development is tied to stakeholders outreach and globalization. Kids are spending time abroad, instills understanding, economics, what they’re needs are, likes and dislikes.

Capital projects – new headquarters building for Milan., bio-tech greenhouse, other new buildings to replace some that were torn out when the bridge was built. They are moving ahead with the Blount farm. Ken Goddard is the new switch grass specialist.

Kayo introduced Jason Reeves who presented our program on No Spray Roses and Selecting Plants for Screen Plantings.

Lunch was served and enjoyed by all.

The purpose of FUTIAWA is to unite former UT ag workers, keep them informed and provide social interaction.

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2007 Minutes

MINUTES OF SMOKY MOUNTAIN
DISTRICT AND STATE MEETING
by: Bob Burney
State Secretary–Treasurer

The Smoky Mountain District and State Meeting of FUTIAWA was held in Knoxville on May 18, 2007, in Hollingsworth Auditorium, Plant Sciences Building, UT Agricultural Campus.

Registration and refreshments began at 9:30 a.m. under the direction of Shirley Hensley, Smoky Mountain District Secretary. The noon meal was catered by the Knox County 4-H Volunteer Leaders.

Due to unfortunate circumstances, Elmer Ashburn, Smoky Mountain District Vice President, could not be present and Harry Bryan presided in his absence. There was a short break between the state and district meetings.

After a call to order by Harry Bryan, state President, Martha Jo Tolley shared a Thought for the Day.

Dr. Mary Albrecht, Associate Dean of the College, gave an update report for CASNR. Dr. Charlie Goan, Interim Dean, gave an update report for Extension.

Dr. Susan Hamilton, Associate Professor and Director of the UT Trial Gardens, spoke to us about activities at the Trial Gardens. She also shared her experiences as one of the “Garden Girls” on a local radio program. She talked about the benefits of gardening.

The Smoky Mountain District elected Tom Bundy as Vice President and Alice Harless as Secretary. Roy Lessly served as chairman of the nominating committee.

Harry Bryan gave the President’s report. Bob Burney presented the Treasurer’s report with an audit report by LaVerne Farmer. Membership in FUTIAWA is steady and funds are adequate.
For the state offices, the committee nominated Harry Bryan, President, Bob Burney, Secretary-Treasurer, and George Mays, Editor. They were elected to serve for the 2007-2008 year.
Harry Bryan read the names of 11 deceased former UTIA workers and shared information about their UT careers. We then observed a moment of silence and prayer.

Alice Ann Moore, state 4-H director, thanked the Association for their support of the 4-H Poster and Essay Contests and provided a display of the winning entries.

The invocation for lunch was given by Jesse Francis. ==============

CENTRAL MEETING MINUTES
by: John Basinger
District Secretary–Treasurer

Central District FUTIAWA meeting was held May 17, 2007 at the Through the Grapevine Restaurant in Murfrees-boro. The gathering started at 9:30 a.m. with coffee and muffins. Twenty–one members and guests attended.

Glenda Booker Central District Vice-President, called the meeting to order and served as Master of Ceremonies. Shirley Miller gave a thought for the day.

Each one present introduced themselves and shared some of their extension career experiences and current things in their lives.

Interim Dean of Extension Charles Goan gave a report on what is happening in Extension. State FUTIAWA President Harry Bryan gave a welcome. Dennis Jones, UTIA Development Director, gave a talk on new developments in the Institute of Agriculture.

Martin Koons, Central Region 4-H Specialist, gave an update report on 4-H Region Activities. 4-Hers Rachel Lee and sister Mary Beth Lee, both Region All-Star officers and from Rutherford County, gave information on 4-H All-Star and Senior activities. Luke Willoughby, Dekalb County Senior 4-Her, provided entertainment.
John Basinger gave the district treasurers report.

Robbie Adcock, retired Rutherford County Extension secretary, was elected to replace John Basinger as the new Central District FUTIAWA secretary.
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CUMBERLAND MEETING MINUTES
by: Norma Jean Johnson
District Secretary–Treasurer

Thirty-one members and guests participated in the Cumberland District meeting at Clyde M. York 4-H Center in Crossville on May 8, 2007

Vice President Clare Nell Breeden welcomed the group by telling of any events that had happened since we met in 2006.
Dennis Jones, Development Director, gave an update of happenings in the UTIA. Walt Hitch, Director, Plateau Research and Education Center, talked of ongoing research at the center. Of special interest is the research in greenhouse tomatoes.
Harry Bryan, state president of FUTIAWA, gave an update on the organization.

A memorial tribute, honoring former FUTIAWA members who had died since May 2006, was given by Secretary Alma Jean Johnson.
Business: Nominating Committee Chairman Roger Thackson reported that the current officers Vice President Clare Nell Breeden and Secretary Alma Jean Johnson had consented to serve another year. They were elected by acclimation.

During the delicious meal, it was noted that retiree Rose Welch was a former head cook at the 4-H Camp.

Following the meal, Camp Director Scottie Fillers led those interested on a tour of facilities. The group toured the newer buildings and the older buildings being renovated.
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WESTERN MEETING MINUTES
by: Helen Mullins
District Secretary–Treasurer

WESTERN DISTRICT FUTIAWA ANNUAL MEETING
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
West Tennessee Agricultural Center
Jackson, Tennessee

Those present were: Joyce Hastings, Alpha Worrell, Margaret Love, Bill Butler, Paul Sutton, Ray and Dot Spann, Marion and Jesse Pipkin, Virginia Stewart, Kayo and Helen Mullins.

The 2007 annual meeting of the Western District Association of former workers in the UT Institute of Agriculture was held at the West Tennessee Agricultural Center in Jackson on May 16, 2006, beginning at 10:00 a.m.

The meeting was called to order by Western District Vice President Joyce Hastings. She welcomed everyone and thanked them for coming. The minutes of 2006 meeting were passed out. She shared a devotional entitled “The Lemon Drop” from Acts, Chapter 20 verse 35.

She asked for a report from the nominating committee. They recommended Jane Connell as Vice President and Helen Mullins as Secretary. They were elected by acclimation.

The group observed a moment of silence in memory of deceased members in the Western District. They were: Billy Keeton and Philip Hoskinson.

Joyce asked everyone to share an Extension memory or a funny story from their working years.

Mr. Harry Bryan the President of the State FUTIAWA was in attendance and made a report on meetings and membership. There are 387 members in the state. He suggested that one way to get more retirees to come to the meetings is to get together outside the meeting on an informal basis. Anyone with items of interest should send them to George Mays.

Dennis Jones brought greetings from Dr. DiPietro. He said the College of Veterinary Medicine is doing well. The students in vet med are 80% female. There is no shortage of large animal practitioners.

Extension continues to move along. Haywood County has offered land for a new 4-H Club Camp. He said a new camp is needed to replace the one at Milan. He said they came out pretty well with capital outlay. Initiatives such as Safe Food, Tennessee Shapes Up, Tennessee Saves, Pesticide Safety are working well. They are looking for a new Experiment Station Dean. The first female Dean has been hired for the College of Agriculture. There are 841 undergraduates and 244 graduates.

He introduced Mark Clark, the new Associate Director in his office.

Biofuels initiative: Switch grass is easy to grow. There is a demonstration refinery at UTK. Later on there will be ten across the state. He said we can supply only 30% of fossil fuels needs.

The dairy is still there. It is moving to Blount County. They will look at environmental issues. A walkway is being built on the bridge over the river.

Jack Britt retired. He is now working on the switch grass project.

Dr. Bob Hayes gave us a tour of the Experiment Station by tractor and trailer. It was very interesting to see what is going on at the Station.

Lunch was served and everyone was invited to Kayo and Helen Mullins’ house for a hypertufa workshop.

The purpose of FUTIAWA is to unite former UT ag workers, keep them informed and provide social interaction.

Submitted by
Helen Mullins