At the Michigan State University Fall Extension Conference, Nov. 5-6 at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center, Extension recognized the extraordinary efforts and achievements of individuals and groups at the awards banquet Nov. 5.
This year, one Key Partner Award was presented to Kevin Frailey, education services manager with the state Department of Natural Resources, for his efforts on environmental education programs such as “Stepping Stones.” This award, granted by the Michigan State University Extension director, recognizes individuals, organizations, media, special MSU programs and government officials for outstanding contributions to establishing, bettering or stimulating Extension programs. The recipient of this award is determined by nominations from faculty and staff members, retirees and volunteers of MSU Extension.
Frailey’s “Stepping Stones” program is a joint DNR/MSU Extension 4-H program that involves kids and teens (9-16 years of age) from urban areas in an assortment of entertaining and educational hands-on outdoor activities in Michigan’s state parks and recreation areas.
Another Key Partner Award was presented to Ray VanDriessche, third-generation farmer and director of community and government relations for the Michigan Sugar Company. He was recognized for his long support of Michigan State University and MSU Extension’s role in advancing Michigan’s sugar beet industry.
VanDriessche and the Michigan Sugar Company have contributed to efforts to resurrect the sugar beet industry by working with producers, university researchers and MSU Extension to create the Michigan Sugar Beet Advancement Program. In addition to this program, VanDriessche also pushed for the establishment of an MSU Extension educator position devoted to sugar beet production.
He has also worked closely and cooperatively with MSU Extension, AgBioResearch, and the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources to develop the Saginaw Valley Research and Extension Center near Frankenmuth.
A third Key Partner Award was presented to Kelley Masters and Murray Feldman of Graceful Communications and WJBK FOX 2 News, respectively, for their efforts related to the annual Money Smart Week.
MSU Extension has had a partnership with Money Smart Week since 2005, and throughout this period, Masters and Feldman have been key partners in these efforts.
Kelly Masters is the MSW chairperson as well as the founder of Graceful Communications. She has helped MSU Extension reach new consumer audiences by recruiting MSU Extension financial and homeownership staff members to serve as instructors, presenters and hosts at many MSW events and efforts.
Murray Feldman contributes as a reporter, news anchor and money editor at WJBK FOX 2 News in Detroit. MSU Extension partners with Feldman and the station to produce a live call-in show called “Ask the Expert,” which allows callers to ask questions about credit, debt and housing matters. The experts include MSU Extension staff members, and this program has helped MSU Extension broaden its audience and reach out to help Michigan consumers find sounder financial ground.