2012 SCHOLORSHIPS by Mary Manley

The scholarship program is a wonderful opportunity for the members of your families to receive help with their college expenses.  Remember there are two categories, one for family members and one for member’s continuing education.

The deadlines are as follows: 

• February 1    Applications for Colorado submitted to Mary Manly, Scholarship Chair
• March 1    State Applications MUST be submitted to the Area Chairs
• March 30    Area Selections MUST be completed
• April 1        Area Chairs shall notify the Area Winners
• April 15    Area Winners MUST be submitted to the NASCOE Chair
• April 20    NASCOE Scholarship Chair shall print certificates
• May 30    NASCOE Scholarship Winner MUST be selected
• June 10    Notify the NASCOE Winner and the Area Exec.
• Please check out rules and applications on either cascoe.org or nascoe.org

Or contact me at rmmanly@bresnan.net with any questions.

RASCOE — COLORADO MEMBERSHIP

NEWS from Gene Lutz:  (Click on the pictures for a larger view.)

CONGRATULATIONS COLORADO FOR THE 2011 LARGEST INCREASE PERCENTAGE IN MEMBERSHIP. 

MIDAS Demo to be presented at CASCOE Converence

The 2011 CASCOE Convention is coming up October 14 & 15 in Rocky Ford.  I will be presenting MIDAS information Saturday morning.  Make plans to attend.  http://cascoe.wordpress.com/2011-cascoe-convention/

Be sure to visit the MIDAS website and view the demos at the link provided below.

 

 

http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/midas?area=home&subject=landing&topic=landing&utm_source=spotlight&utm_medium=click&utm_content=rotation5&utm_campaign=midaseducation

Jeff Wilson, CED, Weld County FSA

Kevin Reeves CASCOE President presents Yonna Miller with a Certificate of Appreciation

President Notes by Kevin Reeves

Colorado FSA

We’ve seen alot of changes in recent weeks and months.  Changes in the way we do things and changes as folks say good bye.  Those that have been with this outfit for awhile will obviously note these changes the most.  I sometime think back of programs such as ARP and folks that have long retired or passed on.  We still work for a great agency.  It’s the people who make it great and solid representation that holds us COF employees together.  Straight out, if you’re not a member of CASCOE, we ask that you consider becoming one.  Together, we are FSA Colorado.

With regard to our CASCOE outreach, the officers and directors have been faced with the challange of figuring out how to get the word out to the field regarding CASCOE/NASCOE information.  Do to the unavailability of the office computer send short notes of information, we have decided to go backward to a simpler format………the mailed out paper newsletter.  We’re all busy, but our intentions are to send this out monthly and to the county office.  Being monthly, they’ll be shorter and to the point.  We also ask that the management and staff of each office pass the news letter around for sharing rather than file 13.  A copy may be emailed to you as well at your home address.

The CASCOE website: Be remindered that our website, cascoe.org, remains open and available. Check it out and thanks to Linda Lowitz of Delta County for maintaining that site.

The CASCOE state convention is coming up soon, October 14-15.  This year Otero County is hosting and we will be meet in Rocky Ford, touring Bents Fort along with our annual meeting and activities.  The invitation is open to all and an informational flyer will be out soon.  We strongly encourage anyone and everyone to consider attending.  It is a great opportunity to be heard and share with others.

Respectfully, Kevin Reeves, President, CASCOE

2011 CASCOE Convention

Reserve these Dates:  Friday through Sunday, October 14-16, 2011.  Hosted by Rocky Ford FSA.  Fun, Friends, News, Motivational Speaker, Special Events.

Check back soon for a copy of the brochure and registration.

Secretary’s Message by Janae Rader

I think it is important to remember what CASCOE is about.  Taken directly from the by-laws: “To strive to maintain and improve the confidence, esteem, and respect of the public for Farm Service Agency county office employees, and to promote the welfare of the employees.”  Now; when things are changing so fast it is even more important to remember how important employee associations can be.  Now; in the midst of budget turmoil, it is even more important that our voices be heard. Now; is the time to step up and participate.  No matter how small or insignificant you think your statement may be, it is important, it could make a difference.  Those individuals in Management, Top Management will never understand what is important and what is needed unless they hear from the employees.  CASCOE through NASCOE is the perfect way to make a difference.  Don’t get frustrated when changes don’t happen right now, some things take time.  Change will happen, let us all work together to make being a FSA employee something to be proud of.

Election Time!

This year positions are available for Secretary/Treasurer, District Director 1 and District Director 3.  Any active leave earning county FSA employee is eligible to hold these offices.  Members may submit nominations at least two weeks prior to the annual convention (October 14-15, 2011) and at the annual convention.  All elected officers will take office on January 1 and must submit a written agreement to serve.