Volume 27, Number 4
December 2015 Newsletter
MESSAGE from the PRESIDENT
by: Brenda Voiles
FUTIAWA President
Greetings,
Hope you all had a blessed Thanksgiving, and are looking forward to the Christmas season and the coziness of winter.
We had a delicious Thanksgiving lunch at my mom’s house – she loves to cook, and I especially enjoy her dressing, pumpkin pie, and sweet potato casserole. Those are things I don’t make very often (if ever); so it’s a special treat when I get to enjoy them.
What are your favorite holiday dishes? I’m sure many of you have some delicious recipes, and if you would like to share, send them to George Mays and he can share them with all of us. Might find something new to try for the upcoming holiday meals!!
I just finished watching the Tennessee Volunteers football team achieve a ‘blowout’ win against Vanderbilt tonight, with a score of 53-28, closing the season with a 8-4 overall record. This is a first since 2007….very exciting for all Vol football fans. Will be exciting to see what the bowl season brings this year.
However, for you basketball fans, I noticed that Tennessee lost to Nebraska today 82-71 at the Brooklyn Barclays Center in New York; but there is a lot of basketball to go, so hopefully things will get better in that arena.
Three Fall Retiree get-togethers were held this year – Western Area enjoyed getting together at the new Lone Oaks 4-H Center in July; Central Area members enjoyed lunch at Cherry Lane Darken’s home on September 29; and I was privileged to join about 40 other Eastern/Cumberland Area retirees for a fun and relaxing day at the Crossville 4-H Center in October.
I had never been to the Crossville Center before, so it was very interesting for me to see it after hearing about it for so many years. Many others had not been there in a while and noticed the many improvements that have been made.
We toured the facilities and had a wonderful lunch with more food than anyone should eat – but every bite was delicious!!!! It was the most beautiful sunny, Fall day on the Plateau. Thanks to Scottie Fillers for hosting us and thanks to Linda Tinch for contacting so many folks and getting the really good turnout that we had. There are pictures posted on the FUTIAWA Facebook page.
Also, if you took pictures at either of these get-togethers, please share them with George.
FUTIAWA hosted a table at Ag Day on October 3. Ag Day was held in the Brehm Animal Science Arena just before the Arkansas football game. It was a rainy day, but we had quite a few retirees and friends that stopped by our table (see pictures on the FUTIAWA website and Facebook page). It was good to visit with those folks and see all the festivities and other exhibits that were on display.
President DiPietro stopped by, and it was so good to see him. He was a wearing a ‘very sharp’ outfit!! Thanks to Charlie Goan, George Mays, John Jared, Linda Tinch, and Gene Burgess for helping to man our table. If you have not been to an Ag Day before, you should try to make the next one. It is usually held on the first Saturday in October.
For all Knoxville retirees, the UT Alumni is organizing a new University of Tennessee Retirees’ Council. All Knoxville retirees will automatically be members. Charlie Goan and I attended the first meeting in November where we heard Chancellor Jimmy Cheek update the group on UT’s journey to become a Top 25 public research institution.
As a part of that goal, UT is implementing the UT Retirees’ Council (UTRC), an entity that recognizes and involves individuals who have retired from UT service. A website for the Council is being developed, and hopefully, we will learn more as this new Council evolves.
Soon after the first of the year, the FUTIAWA officers will begin planning our Spring meetings. Do you have ideas about topics, locations or anything else pertaining to our meetings? If so, please send them to me or one of the other officers. We would sure like to know if you have suggestions.
I want to say ‘welcome’ to our new members – Alice Darnell, Daryl Ray, DeWayne Perry, Thomas Morgan Jr., and Genia Southall. We are so happy that you decided to join us. Please plan to attend our Spring 2016 meetings. We are delighted that DeWayne agreed to be the Vice President of our Central Area group. If you know of new retirees, please encourage them to join our FUTIAWA group.
I hope all of you have a happy, safe, and blessed holiday season. And I will look forward to seeing you in the new year.
All the best,
Brenda Voiles
FUTIAWA State President
I enjoy waking up and not having to go to work. So I do it three or four times a day.” ~Gene Perret
Dr. M. Lloyd Downen was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame on October 9 for his lifetime achievements and contributions to 4-H. Dr. Downen was one of 16 people inducted during the ceremony at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center in Chevy Chase, Maryland.
Dr. Downen served as Dean and Director of the Tennessee Agricultural Extension service from 1977 until his retirement in 1989. In this role, he served on many advisory boards and councils including the National Extension Committee on Operation and Policy (ECOP) and the 4-H Council Panel of Extension Directors. He served on the ECOP 4-H subcommittee, the ECOP marketing subcommittee and the ECOP marketing and related industries subcommittee. He was selected by his peers to chair the Southern Directors Association. He served on the Board of Trustees of the National 4-H Council.
During his administration, Dr. Downen led the Tennessee 4-H program to an unprecedented growth. He hired Ben Powell as state 4-H leader; provided resources for a grade-level curriculum in all 4-H projects; supported the employment of the first director of the Tennessee 4-H Foundation; and encouraged the involvement of support organizations including the Tennessee 4-H Alumni, Inc. Under his leadership, Tennessee had more national 4-H project winners than any other state for 10 consecutive years; participated in all national events; and developed a strong professional agents association.
Congratulations to FUTIAWA member Patsy Ezell-Rehr on her marriage to Marc Rehr on Sunday, October 11, 2015 in Columbia, Maryland. For their honeymoon following the wedding, the couple took a Caribbean Cruise. They will be living in Laurel, Maryland. Patsy will continue working with University of Maryland Extension as Assistant Director, Family and Consumer Sciences. Marc is a retired college professor of theater and speech, and is from Baltimore.
Dr. Fred Allen has retired after 40+ years of service with The University of Tennessee Plant Sciences Department. A retirement reception was held on November 12, 2015 from 2 until 4 p.m. on campus in the Plant Biotech Building.
Phill Flanagan, The University of Tennessee, Plant Sciences Department, will also be retiring after more than 26 years of service. A retirement reception for Phill will be held on Friday, December 4, 2015, from 2 until 4 p.m. on campus in the Plant Biotech Building.
After over 40 years of service to the University of Tennessee, Dr. John Hodges has decided to retire in early-to-mid 2016. Dr. Hodges has made significant and lasting contributions to UT and the Institute of Agriculture both as a student and administrator. More information about his retirement will be forthcoming.
Camille Jesse, UT Extension, Carter County, is retiring. Camille has been with UT Extension for 35 years. Friends and co-workers are invited to a reception honoring Camille on Thursday, December 10, 2015 between 3 and 6 p.m., at the UT Extension Carter County Office, 824 East Elk Avenue, Elizabethton, TN 37643.
Rich Maxey, UTIA Marketing and Communications, is retiring. A reception honoring Rich was held at 104 Morgan Hall on Monday, November 30, 2015, 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.
Former FUTIAWA President Harry D. Bryan and family returned from a Mediterranean cruise in early October. Harry and Laura were accompanied by daughter Janet Bryan Mullins, Janet’s husband Chris and their two sons Bryan and Logan.
Sun 10/25/2015 7:01 PM, Kim McKee, wrote: George: I really thank you for the information on Herb Lester and H. Y. Beeler. I have recently talked to Herb, but so sorry he is not doing too well.
Mr. H. Y. probably doesn’t remember me, but I will never forget him. I always looked up to him as a true gentleman in every sense of the word. I remember most, how he always had time for us young bucks who were trying to learn all we could about the old Agricultural Extension Service, how we could fit in and learn to do our jobs as well as he and so many others did over the years.
It is so good that you do such a wonderful job of keeping us up to date on others. I’m sorry I have not kept up with a lot of the Extension happenings of late, but I seem to get tied up with various assignments I don’t take the time to read a lot of the e-mails I receive on our home computer.
Thanks for being that super organized and dedicated person you have been for so many years.
Jim McKee
Tue 10/27/2015 6:03 PM, John Bradley, wrote:
I retired from FBSciences this past January. My wife, Debra, have built our dream home in Lutts, TN (Southwestern Wayne County) near the family farm in Hardin County where grew up. We are cattle farming full time , 150 brood cows and a feeder calf program in addition to our Tennessee Natural Beef sales. Check our operation out at Spring Valley Farm website. We also have Facebook Page that we post a new farm picture on daily, Spring Valley Family Farms. Thanks!
John and Debra Bradley, Spring Valley Family Farms
Mon 11/23/2015 2:16 PM, Hugh McCampbell wrote: Dear George, Sure do appreciate you keeping all of us so well l informed. Hope you’re doing fine. We are. If you have space, I sure would appreciate it if you would announce my next concert in the Dec Newsletter. The details are as follows:
Benefit Veterinary Piano Concert, Dr. Hugh McCampbell, Veterinary Pianist, 7 pm Saturday, January 30, 2016, Sweetwater Elementary School, 301 Broad Street, Sweetwater, Tennessee.
The Broad Street Elementary School, as we call it, has a nice, new auditorium with theater seats, a good sound system, and a big long black grand piano that makes you sound a whole lot better than you really are!
I call it a “Benefit” Veterinary Piano Concert because all the funds go to worthwhile causes. I had prostate cancer surgery back in 2007, so a good portion of the funds go to the Prostate Cancer Foundation. The rest go to local Boy Scout Troops, and the Sweetwater Valley Citizens for the Arts. I look at this as a chance to peck away at gratitude for what prostate cancer research found to help me, and to help support things in our local community. I sure do appreciate folks helping me raise funds for these beneficiaries. Tickets are available at the door, and are $15 for adults and $10 for students.
We have a reception at our house afterwards, so folks can have some finger food, and visit a little. There are 2 houses between our house and the school, so it’s easy to just stay parked at the school and walk to the reception. I’d like to invite all my UT friends. It will be good to see them again. I really enjoy doing these concerts. This will be the ninth one I’ve done. For those who live in the Knoxville area, it takes about 30 minutes to get from Cedar Bluff Road to our house. Sweetwater is off exit 60 & 62 from I-75.
I sure will appreciate you trying to include my announcement in the December FUTIAWA Newsletter. Please let me know if there are any questions. Thanks again, Hugh McCampbell, DVM.
Former UTIA workers or retirees who have recently joined FUTIAWA as lifetime members are:
Alice Darnell, Extension Agent, Williamson County
DeWayne Perry, Extension Agent and county Director, Williamson County
Daryll Rhea, Professor, Agricultural Economics
Thomas H Morgan, Assistant Professor, Plant and Soil Science
Genia C Southall, County Director, Perry County Extension
The UT Human Resources Office reports the following persons retired recently from UTIA:
Patsy Ann Walters Anthony, Extension Program Assistant II, UT Extension, Carroll County
Jo Ann Flowers, Administrative Support Assistant II, UT Extension, Dyer County
Karen Leigh Leggett, Extension Agent II, UT Extension, Humphreys County
Nancy R Marshall , Extension Agent II, UT Extension, Hamblen County
Robin Dawn Porter, Administrative Specialist I, Vet Med, CVM-ADM
Carl L Sands, Agricultural Service Aide I, AgResearch, East TN REC Unit
Jimmy E Toole, Maintenance Foreman I, Vet Med, VETERINARY HOSPITAL
Lea Rodgers Valentine, Clinical Specialist II, Vet Med, LARGE ANIMAL CLINICAL SCIENCE
UT Human Resources reports the following persons with more than five years of service recently terminated employment at UTIA:
Tracy Renee Alford, Administrative Support Aide II, UT Extension, Coffee County
Kellie Parks Burris, Post-doctoral Research Associate, Ag Research, Plant Sciences
Priscilla Nycole Eddins, Extension Agent II, UT Extension, Tipton County
Eric Calvin Goan, Research Associate I, Ag Research, FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Aubry Jean Havens, Ext Program Assistant III, UT Extension, Montgomery County
Christopher Shane Hord, Clinical Assistant II, Vet Med, LABORATORY ANIMAL FACILITY
Jeffrey Thomas Martin, Extension Assistant I, UT Extension, Plant Sciences State
Silke Caecilia Murray, Administrative Coordinator I, UT Extension, Montgomery County
David Otto Olson, Agricultural Service Aide II, Ag Research, Plateau REC Unit
Kyla Nicole Schwarten, Clinical Assistant II, Vet Med, SMALL AN CLINICAL SCIENCE
Christy Felecia Mae Starks, Extension Program Assistant II, UT Extension, Montgomery County
Phillip Andrew Wadl, Research Associate Professor, Ag Research, ENTOMOLOGY & PLANT PATHOLOGY
Amanda Fanning Widner, Senior Laboratory Technologist I, Vet Med, BDS
Svetlana Zivanovic , Professor, AgResearch, FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Name links to obituary.
Dana Dodson Haston, UT Extension Bledsoe County Secretary. Ms. Haston worked for the University of Tennessee for over 41 years. She will be greatly missed by the Bledsoe County office as well many others. Visitation was Sunday (6/14/15) and Monday (6/15/15) from 3:00 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Putnam Reed Funeral Home in Pikeville. Funeral Service was Tuesday, June 16 at 11:00 a.m. at Putnam Reed Funeral Home, Pikeville.
Myra Nell Stewart, Marion County Extension office secretary for 48 years, passed away October 10, 2015. She was a native of Marion County, a graduate of Marion County High School, a member of the Jasper Church of Christ, and had volunteered at the Jasper Public Library for many years. Mrs. Stewart is survived by several cousins. She told people she had the best job and loved everyone she worked with. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. CDT on Monday, Oct. 12, 2015, at the Sequatchie Valley Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. Read Stewart Obituary
Ned McPeak, Jr., former Livestock Division Supervisor, Middle Tennessee REC, Ag Research, passed away on November 3, 2015. Services on Friday, November 6, 2015 at Williams Funeral Home, Columbia. Burial in Polk Memorial Gardens, Columbia. Survived by sons, Ricky and Randy McPeak.
Dr. Tom Miles, UTIA professor and head of the UTIA Dairy Department for many years and later head of the Food Technology Department, passed away on November 12, 2015, at age 98. He was married to the late Mary Landin Wilson Miles for 69 years. Survivors include his son, George Miles and Ann of Charlotte, NC; his daughter, Sarah Cowan of Marietta, OK. Friends may sign and view the guestbook at Pierce-Jefferson Funeral Home Read Miles Obituary
Linda F. Howard, former Administrative Specialist, Ag Research Dean’s Office, passed away Tuesday, November 17, 2015, at UT Medical Center, at age 69. Linda retired in 2006 with 42 years of service at UT. The family received friends 2:00-3:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 21, 2015, at McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home. A graveside service followed at Dotson Memorial Baptist Church Cemetery. Read Linda’s Obituary
We express sincere comfort and/or speedy healing to the following UTIA employees or retirees:
Debby Bowers, who retired in 2010 as Administrative Specialist, Extension Administration, in the death of her daughter, Shannon Lee Bowers, on October 5, 2015 at age 39. If you would like to send Debby a card her address is: 7808 Keswick Drive, Powell, TN 37849. Read Shannon’s Obituary
Thank you from Debby Bowers to UTIA: Thank you so much for all of your prayers and support given to us during this sad and difficult time. We received so many beautiful cards. Moments like these are when we realize the importance of family and friends. God has blessed me with so many precious UT friends.
Your kindness has touched our hearts and provided us comfort. It is greatly appreciated and will always be remembered. Please continue to pray for our family and again, thank you! Love Always, Debby Bowers
Melitta Stoutt, Agricultural Economics Department, in the death of her mother, Hilda Stoutt of Maryville, on October 22, 2015, at age 93. Hilda was born in Heidelberg, Germany where she met and married her husband of 68 years, Paul Kenneth Stoutt, who fought in the European Theatre of World War II. Read Hilda Stoutt’s Obituary
Shirley Miller, retired Extension agent, Davidson County, and her sister Peggy Miller in the death of their mother Mrs. Odie (Sue) Miller. Mrs. Odie Miller, age 96, passed peacefully into the arms of her beloved Lord Monday, November 16, 2015. Chapel service were held Friday, November 20, 2015 at 10:00 a. m. at Woodfin Memorial Chapel, Murfreesboro. Read Odie Miller’s Obituary
by: James B. Neel,
Professor Emeritus
Animal Science Department
“Developing Champion Youth” is an initiative by the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture to provide financial support for the Tennessee Junior Livestock Programs. Donations will support the endowment to fund the 4-H junior livestock programs in perpetuity.
Approximately 65,000 Tennessee youth are enrolled in the state’s 4-H junior livestock projects. The Tennessee 4-H Livestock Program is popular with approximately thirty-six percent of the enrollment composed of livestock members. Similar numbers are not available for the FFA.
In addition to gaining experience in the care and management of livestock, junior livestock programs have a history of contributing to the growth and development of the state’s youth. Today, it involves more than “cows, sows and plows.” Technology is being made available at a rapid pace, and livestock youth must be able to take advantage of its introduction.
“Developing Champion Youth” is an opportunity for UTIA Retirees – and others that are interested in youth – to support their growth and development. Personal involvement and support means more youth will be able to participate in programming that teaches the science of livestock management and care as well as leadership and skills essential to become outstanding citizens. Personal financial contributions as well as those of industry and organizations will have a positive impact on the future lives of the youth.
A gift now can produce a change that will last a lifetime for numerous Tennessee youth. For additional information or how you can become involved, contact the local UT Extension office in your county. Visit AdvanceUTIA.com/ChampionYouth to make your donation online.
Contact persons: James B. Neel, Professor Emeritus of Animal Science, Phone: 865-974-3189 or Keith Barber, Vice Chancellor, Ag Institute Development, Phone: 865-974-5779.
State Officers
Brenda Voiles, President
Michael L. Keel, Past President
Charles Goan, Secretary-Treasurer
George C. Mays, Communications Director
Central Area
DeWayne Perry, Vice President
Warren Gill, Secretary-Treasurer
Cumberland Area
Carolyn Fox, Vice President
Linda J. Tinch, Secretary-Treasurer
Eastern Area
Ken Goddard, Vice President
Gene Burgess, Secretary-Treasurer
Western Area
Steve Glass, Vice President
Paul Sutton, Secretary-Treasurer
Membership in the Former University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture Workers’ Association (FUTIAWA) is for anyone, and everyone, who has ever worked for The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. The organization’s membership includes former employees from the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, the College of Veterinary Medicine, the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Agricultural Extension Service.
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 FUTIAWA.
A major objective of FUTIAWA 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 several issues of the newsletter and an invitation to the next district 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 FUTIAWA. The cost is $30.00 for a lifetime membership.
More than 40 people attended the Fall Get Together for Eastern, Cumberland, Chattanooga Area Retirees on Tuesday, October 13 at the Clyde York 4-H Center, Crossville. I think everyone will agree it was a good time with some delicious food and a beautiful fall day. Three were lots of opportunities for visiting and telling stories about past work experiences. Touring the camp facilities was rewarding for many. We were surprised with numerous building renovations and improvements. The campus looked great with fall decorations and beautiful flowers everywhere. The staff was very courteous and made a special effort to create an atmosphere that made the day outstanding for all who attended.
The Central Area UTIA Retirees held having their fall lunch meeting on Tuesday, September 29th at Cherry Lane Darken’s home in the at Leiper’s Fork community, near Franklin. This was a pot luck get together for food and fellowship…not a business meeting.
UTIA Retirees Association
2621 Morgan Circle Drive || Knoxville, TN 37996
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