Volume 34, Number 2
August 2022 Newsletter
Note from New UTIA Retirees Association President, Warren Gill
It’s time to start planning this fall’s Area UTIA Retiree meetings and activities. It’s the privilege of each area to set their own meeting times and programs, but Fred Allen and I need to know this information so one of us can attempt to attend as many meetings as possible.
UTIA Senior Vice Chancellor/Senior Vice President Carrie Castille has also expressed an interest coming to area meetings.
We also need to make sure we have accurate information about officers and contact information.
I attended my first UTIA Retiree meeting in 2007—fifteen years ago. Before I left the meeting, I had agreed to serve as vice-president of the Central District FUTIAWA.* Since then, I’ve learned a few things:
- UTIA Retirees enjoy meeting with old friends.
- We do not like to sit through long programs.
- At meetings, we need to have time to talk to each other.
- We need to be reminded about upcoming meetings – phone call or text is good.
- We want wonderful food for very little money.
I look forward to seeing everyone at meetings this year! Remember, we include Extension, research, teaching and CVM retirees.
Warren Gill
Ruth Henderson McQueen, Past President, UTIA Retirees Association
Dear Friends,
It has been a delight and an honor and a pleasure to serve as president of this association. While my term lengthened a few years because of the pandemic, it has been a most enjoyable and worthwhile experience. However, one of the best life lessons that I have learned is one of shared leadership and teamwork. It has been said by many people over the years that UTIA employees operate like a family unit, and I concur with that opinion.
When I agreed to serve in this role, John Jared assured me that he would continue to be involved and has devoted much time and energy in giving good advice, attending meetings, and working with Marketing and Communications on the newsletter. I cannot thank him enough for all he has done. Others at the state level who have cheerfully and willingly supported the association are Benda Voiles (Facebook), Steve Sutton (website), and Martha Jo Tolley and Sandie Morton (secretary/treasurer and audit).
For years George Mays was the communications director for this association. In other parts of this newsletter you will find information about George and his impact and how much he is missed. This has been a valuable and difficult lesson for us, as we now realize the number of things that only George knew how to do and that there is no access to his computer information. At this time I can say that UTIA Marketing and Communications, and most specifically Tara Slusher, have increased their involvement and are being instrumental in working thorough this transition. What a blessing this has been to the organization.
There has been much change during my tenure as president—in the world, in this country and at UT and UTIA. I am reminded of what Tim Cross said in a Zoom meeting during the early days of the pandemic. He said that here had been more change at the University in three weeks than in the previous ten years. It has been amazing to see the flexibility and willingness of all involved to continue to fulfill the Institute commitment to education, service, research, Extension, and teaching.
Finally, I would like to express appreciation to the area officers and the hundreds of UTIA Retirees Members across the state. Your support and involvement continue to make the goal of this association of “staying connected” a reality and for that I am very thankful. Blessings on you each and every one.
Ag Day 2022 promises to be another exciting one filled with food, fellowship, and fun! The event, set for September 24, will take place four hours before kickoff of the UT-Florida game.
Information about retirees
James Pointer celebrated his 101st birthday with former Extension coworkers, friends, and neighbors recently at Asbury Place Assisted Living in Maryville. The Asbury dining staff, care staff, and facilities staff went out of their way to make a grand celebration for him. A large group from First Baptist Church in Knoxville came by to wish him well as did numerous Extension retirees including Wanda Russell, Tom Samples, Emmitt Rawls, and Don and Nancy Stumbo. Pointer received many cards and well wishes from Extension folks as well. He was truly touched by the generosity of everyone who took time to salute his milestone day. He would welcome any visits in the future, so come on down!
Each year the UTIA Retirees Association sponsors the awards for State 4-H Essay contest. The winning Essay for this year was from Lilly Anglin, a ninth grader in Carter County. This impressive essay is posted online for your enjoyment.
Ruth Henderson McQueen, Past President
After a pause for the pandemic, the UTIA Retirees Association meetings resumed this spring. The participants were in agreement that it was good to be able to meet together in person again.
Central Area – The first meeting kicked off in Murfreesboro on the beautiful spring day of April 20. Central Area officers Vice President Pat Whitaker and Secretary/Treasurer Warren Gill, planned an enjoyable day of visiting, educational programming, and good food for the group. Mitchell Mote provided an excellent overview of Extension programs, with an emphasis on horticulture and Master Gardeners, and also gave a tour of the educational gardens on the premises of the Lane AgriPark. The new leadership for the Central Area will be Vice President Bob Ary and Secretary/Treasurer Alice Darnell.
Eastern Area/State Meeting – The Eastern Area and the State combined for their meetings on April 28 at the UT Extension Eastern Region Office in West Knoxville. The Eastern Area meeting convened first and was led by Area Vice President Wanda Russell and Secretary/Treasurer Connie Geddings-Reese. The thought for the day and the State 4-H Report were given by UT Knoxville Collegiate 4-H members Jana Owen and Laura Grace Jenkins. An informative and educational program on “Staying Connected with IT, Safely” was presented by David Yates, Extension area specialist. After a break, the state business meeting was conducted by President Ruth Henderson McQueen. The minutes were approved, the Audit report given, and the financial report approved. The total assets of the association are $8,935.80. John Jared, chair of the nominating committee, presented a slate of Warren Gill and Fred Allen for the new state president and secretary/treasurer. They were elected by acclimation.
The speaker for the day was UTIA Interim Senior Vice Chancellor and Senior Vice President Linda Martin. She did an excellent job of sharing current programs and projects underway in all four divisions of UTIA. This has been an exciting year with many leadership changes and challenges but also many successes and much optimism for the future. Martin stressed how much she has enjoyed her time at UTIA.
Cumberland Area – The Putnam County Fair Association provided the location for the Cumberland Area meeting on May 10 at the Fairgrounds. The meeting was planned by Area Vice President Phyliss Boyce and Secretary/Treasurer Jenny Yeary. Yeary also provided an exciting energetic program on “100 years of Food” assisted by Boyce. Thanks was expressed to member John Allen for the use of the facilities. Allen has served as president of the Putnam County Fair Association for many years and the fair was recognized as the Outstanding Fair in Tennessee for 2021. A delicious lunch was served by the culinary arts students from Cookeville High School and new officers were elected. Margaret Pile will serve as vice president and Drucilla Ray will be the secretary/treasurer.
Western Area – Plans are underway for a fall West Tennessee meeting, possibly at Paris Landing State Park. More details soon.
Summary– At all the meetings participants were welcomed, updates were shared, memorial tributes were given for those who had passed, and good food was consumed. Also, at each gathering Martha Jo Tolley made available copies of the new “UT Extension Personnel Directory—1910-2020.” Thanks was expressed for her work as editor of this book and also to UT Extension Dean Ashley Stokes for her generosity in making these available at no cost to the UTIA Retirees members. For me personally, it was a delight to be able to attend these meetings and see many old friends and colleagues. Warren Gill also has been busy becoming an author, and if you do not have a copy of his book, you will probably have an opportunity to purchase one in the coming year.
The Retirees Association is saddened by the passing of George Mays, longtime communications director and friend. He shared his talents in so many ways, and it is our honor to remember him here.
Name links to obituary.
George C. Mays, retired from the Office of Marketing and Communications, passed away April 23, 2022.
Helen Anderson Sharp, widow of John B. Sharp, passed away earlier this year.
Bob Pentecost passed away May 18, 2022
Charles T. Walker, retired from the Office of Marketing and Communications, passed away June 20, 2022.
Pat Brogdon, former Extension agent in Hamilton County, passed away July 4, 2022.
Marcus McLemore, retired UT Extension Hardin County director, passed away June 17, at the age of 72.
Pat Lester, widow of Herb Lester (retired Central Regional Director), passed away July 4 at the age of 79.
Membership in the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture Retirees Association is for anyone who has worked five or more years for The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. The organization’s membership includes former employees from the Herbert College of Agriculture, the College of Veterinary Medicine, UT AgResearch and UT Extension.
It doesn’t matter if you were one of the support staff, a teacher, research scientist, Extension educator, a farm worker, custodian, laboratory technician or an administrator. If you worked at UTIA, we welcome you to join.
A major objective of UTIA Retirees Association is to unite all former University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture workers and to provide channels for communication and friendship after employees leave the Institute. Our newsletter and web pages are communication links with the Institute and current and retired employees.
When employees retire or terminate employment at UTIA, their names are added to our mailing list to receive a complimentary issue of the quarterly newsletter and an invitation to the next area meeting scheduled in the area where they reside. During this period, retirees have the opportunity to decide whether or not they want to continue their contact with former co-workers by joining the UTIA Retirees Association. The cost is $30 for a lifetime membership.
The UTIA Retirees Association newsletter is published quarterly by the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. The University of Tennessee is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution in the provision of its education and employment programs and services. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status.
UTIA Retirees Association
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