June News

The Great Internship Launch

2013 Interns at the Orientation near Channing, TX

Ogallala Commons held its 2013 Community Intern Orientation at Talon Point Retreat near Channing, TX, on May 28-30.  In total, 35 interns and 30 intern supervisors learned tools and skills to enhance their work, while enjoying plenty of free time to network and get to know one another during meals. 

Our 2013 Internships are being conducted in five states—Kansas (6), Colorado (7), New Mexico (4), Nebraska (2), Texas (39).  In addition to interns hailing from these five Plains states, we also have an intern from Oregon, and 2 from Arizona, plus we have an intern who goes to college at University of North Carolina and another in Pennsylvania.  Our entire intern cohort consists of 43 females and 15 males.

Interns and supervisors discuss ways to creatively conquer
roadblocks during the internship process.

This was by far our largest Orientation.  Our OC staff managed things well, but we could not have pulled it off without our five Board Members and three Advisers who attended.  We were also fortunate to have Sherry Kunka (Sharyland Utilities), Andrew Jacob and Sarah Tyree (CoBank), and William Nelson (the CHS Foundation and CHS, Inc) attending and presenting at our Orientation.

35 interns and 30 supervisors attended Orientation.

Here is a testimony sent by one of our South Central Texas interns, Thomas Schroeder from San Marcos: 

"I just wanted to say thank you for allowing me to be a part of Ogallala Commons intern orientation week…I was not sure what to expect from the week and there were many great moments highlighted by so many of the great individuals that were in attendance. I could not be more proud or more excited to be a part of such a positive, proactive community building organization... Thank you for your vision and the wonderful opportunity you have placed before me, it is going to be a great summer!”

OC Connects with Native American Partners

NB3 interns and supervisors take time to learn about their
personalities at the orientation on June 5th.

This summer, six OC Community Internships have been created with Native American youth and adults in Colorado and New Mexico, thanks to partnerships with First Nations Development Institute in Longmont, Colorado, Taos County EDC in Taos, NM, and Notah Begay III Foundation (NB3) in Bernalillo, NM. 

On June 5, OC Director Darryl Birkenfeld and Fr. Ken Keller traveled to Santa Ana Pueblo to conduct a Mini-Orientation for Carlos Latoma and Nikki Tulley at NB3 office.  These two OC Interns are part of a cohort of 10 interns (see photo) working on projects this summer such as a Community Health Summit for 300 participants. 

2013 Notah Begay III Foundation Interns

In 2005, 4-time PGA TOUR winner Notah Begay III (who grew up in Albuquerque, NM), the only full-blooded Native American on the PGA TOUR, founded the Notah Begay III Foundation. Throughout his career, Notah has been a committed advocate for the health and well-being of Native American youth and their communities. He formed the NB3 Foundation to use sports and wellness as a means for social change and to fight the epidemic of type 2 diabetes.

Based at the Santa Ana Pueblo in New Mexico, the NB3 Foundation operates soccer, golf, health and youth leadership programming at San Felipe Pueblo, in the greater Albuquerque area and other tribal communities in New Mexico, including the Navajo Nation community of To’hajiilee. Beginning in 2009 the Foundation has expanded its impact to tribal communities nationwide through strategic grant-making and education and outreach through soccer and diabetes prevention education.

Building Youth Entrepreneur Resources

Three high school teachers who have worked for years on OC
E-fairs attended the workshop: Rachel Gonzalez (Dimmit, TX),
Debbie Raymond (Plainview, TX), and Rebecca Cobb (Tulia, TX)

Even in the summer months, OC is busy planning and educating to open more possibilities for youth entrepreneurs.  On June 12, Darryl Birkenfeld and Kade Wilcox gave an hour-long presentation to area teachers at a “Creating Entrepreneurs” Workshop conducted Region 16 ESC, West Texas Center for Economic Education, and West Texas A&M University. 

OC is also helping to fund a Community Internship for Lauren Long.  Lauren’s main project is creating a Community Leadership Program for 6 rural counties in western Nebraska that form Sandhills RC&D region (www.sandhillsrcd.org).  In addition, Lauren will also help OC to plan a Youth Engagement Day in Mullen, NE in mid-October.

May News

Spring Playa Festivals

Fourth Grade students from Wheatley and Iles
pose for a group photo after exploring the park.

May has been a busy month for Playa Festivals.  Ogallala Commons conducted two Festivals for 180 fourth and fifth grade students at Wheatley and Iles Elementary Schools in Lubbock during the first week of May. Students enjoyed presentations from OC Intern Justin Trammell on Macroinvertebrates, Master Naturalist Carol Burgett on wetland plants and animals, learned about raptors with Gail Barnes of the South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and learned how to use binoculars with Julie Hodges.  The students visited Mae Simmons Park in Lubbock for a hands-on field experience and were able to see many different species of plants, birds, aquatic insects and even a few mammals. 

On May 16^th, 260 fifth graders from Lindsey Stiner Elementary School enjoyed a Playa Festival at Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge.  This was one of the largest Festivals ever conducted by Ogallala Commons and was a great success thanks to the team of 10 presenters that helped student to discover the wonders of the Refuge.  Presenters were Jim Steiert, Tish McDaniel, Roger Grass, Gail Barnes, Jessica Kissner, Carol Burgett, Julie Hodges, Darryl Birkenfeld, Justin Trammell and Jude Smith.

Local Talent: OC Staff and Interns Prepare for 2013 Orientation

Interns at the 2012 Orientation

On May 28-30, Ogallala Commons will be conducting its annual Intern Orientation at Talon Point Retreat, located between Channing and Dumas, Texas.  We are expecting 33 interns and 25 supervisors, as well as 8 presenters to attend, representing ten states.  There are four main purposes for the Orientation: 1) To give all interns an opportunity to network with each other, 2) To cover the nuts and bolts of how to complete internships requirements, 3) To give the tools needed to make internships a valuable experience well into the future, and 4) To help interns complete the products that will aid them in their pursuit of careers and other opportunities.  Interns attending the Orientation will receive a cool “Local Talent” Community Intern t-shirt, so look for a group photo in next month’s newsletter!

April News

Partnering for Community Internships in Colorado
Jane Enger (Teller County Famers Market), Joe Stone, and Dave Ward (Central Colorado Foodshed Alliance) attended an Internship Supervisor Training, conducted by Darryl Birkenfeld, at Fusion Japan restaurant in Woodlawn Park, Colorado. These two organizations are partnering with Ogallala Commons to create 2 Community Internships. OC will be training more than 60 Internship Supervisors over the next 5 weeks.


OC Attends Kansas Farmer’s Union Food Co-Op Workshop

Bob Mailander presents on how to create successful co-ops

Part one of Food Hubs and Co-ops: How local family farms can feed our communities, Establishing an Online Food Cooperative, was held April 6th in Hiawatha, Kansas. The workshop provided a look at food co-ops and local food in general. Ogallala Commons director, Darryl Birkenfeld, explained how his community created enthusiasm about local food, and  that to have a flourishing Foodshed, you have to engage youth. In addition, OC board member Bob Mailander spoke on creating successful co-ops. OC’s advisory council was also represented by Kim Barker, with the Oklahoma Food Co-op, and Chris Sramek, with the High Plains Food Co-op. The two cooperatives have very similar operating procedures. (Read the full story from Kansas Farmer's Union)

3^rd Annual Youth Engagement Day 

Back: Ty Ownbey, David Willhite, Zane Jenkins, Adrian Suarez

Front: Kidryn Hoeffner, Shaelynn Wood, Chelcy Viner, Katie Jenkins

The Campo Youth Advisory Council (YAC) hosted their 3rd Annual Youth Engagement Day on Wednesday, April 10.  Approximately 100 students from Campo, Kim, Pritchett, Vilas, and Walsh, Colorado and Keyes, Oklahoma attended the event. Students gathered in the gym for a welcome by YAC President, Adrian Suarez.  David Willhite then introduced the keynote speaker, Ogallala Commons Advisory Council member Andy Wilkinson.  Andy spoke to the group about their responsibility to get involved in their communities and to plan for their future and encouraged them to pursue the post-secondary education that meets their career goals. Following the keynote session, students chose from various breakout sessions put on by local and regional colleges, governmental organizations, and even emergency responders. The event concluded with an "Entrepreneur Panel" featuring talks from  former YAC member and current OPSU senior, Rafe Schroder, local business owners Shalah Perkins and Shawn Crane, Otero Junior College’s Bill Dutro, and Baca County Economic Development director, Shelia Crane. (Read the full story in the Monday Morning Update)

'Graduates' of OC Playa Festivals Help Keep the Wetlands Safe

The "Arsenic Arresters" meet with former First Lady Laura Bush

Students who attend OC Playa Festivals go on to do even bigger projects! Recently, a 6^th grade "Science Rocks U" team—Hudson Sanders, Brett Wilson, and George Wiebe—have spearheaded efforts to reduce arsenic in their region. Research and experiments sampled and determined arsenic levels in farmlands and wetlands, as well as the local water supply.  It was discovered that the highest levels of arsenic were found in irrigated farmlands. Additionally, playa wetlands were negatively affected by the presence of arsenic. The team, called "Arsenic Arresters," instituted an outreach campaign which encouraged people to draw water from the hot side of the tap.  Public awareness days were hosted and the team presented to local conservation groups, university scientists, and the public. Through the Conservation Symposium in Midland, the team was able to share their findings with landowners and former First Lady Laura Bush. Legislative efforts were begun which seek to limit arsenic levels found in food.  In conjunction with Texas Tech University and West Texas A&M, long-term action plans were developed for continued monitoring of arsenic. 

March News

Growing Our Collaborative Network Out West

Darryl Birkenfeld, OC Director 

Dr. Birkenfeld meets with
Peou Lakhana and Kristyn Yepa
of the Notah Begah III Foundation

Ogallala Commons is building some great partnerships to create Community Internships out in New Mexico with Native American groups.  On March 8th, OC Director Darryl Birkenfeld met with Peou Lakhana and Kristyn Yepa from the Notah Begay III Foundation based in Santa Ana Pueblo near Bernalillo, New Mexico, a nonprofit focused on combating childhood obesity.  Darryl also drove to Bernalillo High School to meet with Community Intern candidate Tenisha Velasquez, accompanied by her mother Jolene and little brother. Tenisha has dreams of becoming a nurse and working with children who have special needs.  After high school graduation, she hopes to land an internship working with folks at NB3 Foundation.  

Intern Candidate Tenisha Velasquez
with her mother and younger brother

It looks like a northern New Mexico nonprofit that is building an amazing local food hub, Taos County Economic Development Corporation, will also be seeking to create 3 Community Internships with Ogallala Commons.  So, we are well on our way to achieving 60 interns in 2013.

In addition, OC is pleased to announce that CoBank contributed $10,000 sponsorship for our Intern Orientation on May 28-30 at Talon Point in Dumas, Texas.  Headquartered outside Denver, Colorado, CoBank is a $90 billion cooperative bank serving vital industries across rural America. The bank provides loans, leases, export financing and other financial services to agribusinesses and rural power, water and communications providers in all 50 states.

Middle School Youth E-Fair A Success

Julie Hodges, OC Education Coordinator

Students taking Career Investigations at Irons Middle School in Lubbock, Texas participated in an Ogallala Commons Youth Entrepreneur Fair on March 7, 2013.  Representatives from Plains Capital Bank and Lubbock Christian University SIFE/INACTUS team served as judges for the event.

The winners of the Fair received cash prizes donated by Plains Capital Bank in Lubbock.

1st: Easton Verkamp

2nd: Maggie Garcia & Mckenzie Pierson

3rd: Cameron Edens, Creighton Alejandro, Andrew Worthy

Ogallala Commons Attends College Conference on Cooperatives
Megan England, OC Intern Coordinator

Participants and Sponsors at the CCOC
Megan: 2nd from bottom, 2nd from right,
Justin: 6th from bottom, 2nd from left
(Photo courtesy of National Farmers Union)

On March 15-17, more than 100 students from 16 states (and Canada) gathered in Minneapolis for the National Farmers Union 2013 College Conference on Cooperatives. Ogallala Commons’ Megan England and Justin Trammell both had the opportunity to attend.

Some highlights of the weekend from Justin’s guest blogs on the NFU website included a visit to the headquarters of the nation’s leading cooperative: CHS, Inc., and tours of various local co-ops. 

“[The CCOC] is an opportunity for Farmers Union and the cooperative community to teach young people about cooperative business principles and history,” said NFU President Roger Johnson, “to introduce them to a wide variety of co-ops, and to show them that there are great careers in strong, ethical and community-minded businesses.”

February News

OC Website: Check it out!

Over the past several months, OC Education Coordinator, Julie Hodges, has been working with NewCoast Media to renovate and update our website. The new site features better navigation, updated programs pages and beautiful photographs. We have also linked the website to our social media outlets, including blogs, facebook and twitter accounts.

Please take a moment to explore the new site, "like" Ogallala Commons on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!

Website: www.ogallalacommons.org

Southern Plains Conference

We invite you to attend our 24th Annual Southern Plains Conference on March 20 and 21 (Wed. & Thurs.) in Canyon, Texas. You will be greatly enriched by our conference theme: "Spare Time on the Plains: The Search for Leisure and Recreation."   Our Wednesday afternoon excursion tours, Evening Soiree, and Thursday conference presentations and workshops will insure an fun, embodied exploration of leisure and recreation--drawing on historical practices while offering possibilities that fit with our contemporary lives.  All we need to be successful is your presence at one, two, or all of the three main events of the conference!

Click here to view the conference brochure/agenda.

Click here to register!

Climbing the Mountain to 60

This month, OC is far along on the process of recruiting 60 Community Interns to work with towns and institutions in Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, Texas, New Mexico, South Dakota, and Oklahoma.  

We already have identified more than 40 interns, so if communities or candidates are still interested, you will need to contact us very soon!  For more information about Ogallala Commons Community Internships or to apply, contact Julie Hodges, OC Education Coordinator (juliehodges@prairieworkshop.com or 806-445-6075).  Also visit our community intern webpage to learn more.

Intern Profile: Kristine Abu-Hantash

Kristine Abu-Hantash grew up in Amarillo, TX, graduated from high school, and dabbled in journalism and broadcasting at Amarillo College. After that, Kris lived in Dallas and Denver, then signed up for a four-year hitch in the U.S. Army -- a chance to "see the world". Kris then returned to Amarillo College to study photography and journalism, worked for the Amarillo Globe-News, and earned a bachelor's degree in history from West Texas A&M University. Recently, she served as a seasonal guide for the National Park Service at Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument and Lake Meredith National Recreation Area.  In 2012, Kris returned to WTAMU as a graduate student in public history. Kris’ internship is a public history project documenting the voluntary societies and community organizations – both sacred and secular – that residents of Nazareth and its environs have taken part in over the last hundred years.

Welcome, Kristine!

(Read more)

Intern Profile: Chelsea Wink

Another 2013 Intern, Chelsea Wink, resides in Lubbock, Texas. She is a graduate student at Wayland Baptist University pursuing a master of arts in history. She also received her bachelor’s degree in from Wayland Baptist University in 2007. Chelsea says "All aspects of history fascinate me, but my main interest would be 20th century history." She is also very interested in local history. Chelsea will be working with Barbara Brannon, Executive Director of the Texas Plains Trail Region (TPTR) as a communication intern.  Chelsea will support the communications, public relations and programming objectives of the Texas Plains Trail Region during its 10th Anniversary year of 2013.

Welcome to Ogallala Commons, Chelsea!

(Read More)

November/December News

Engaging Youth in Kansas

Pharmacy owner Dawn Hampton instructs youth
entrepreneurs in how to build a successful retail
business in small towns

Two dozen teenagers interested in community improvement, creating new enterprises, or building careers through entrepreneurship took part in a Youth Engagement Day, held in Atwood, KS on November 7th.  The students in Grade 7-12 were from Rawlins County and St. Francis, KS schools.  Another dozen adult mentors led the youth in tours of Rawlins County Hospital, Mizer Milling, Rawlins County Dental Clinic and Currier Drug / Bison Compounding and Therapy.  To conclude, youth presented their idea to the entire group to get feedback and critique for the Spring Entrepreneurship Fair.  Winning Ideas were selected by vote.  1st Place - Cameron Colgan and Sheldon McCain with, Critter Emitters the humane pest removers, 2nd Place - Matt and Zach White,  Aquaponics Vegetable and Fresh Fish business, 3rd Place - Austin Rueber, Cancer Research, 4th Place - Dillon Cozza,  All Around Farm, 5th Place Jayln Dirks, Women's Hunting Lodge, and 6th Place - Spohia Hampton  and Rohey Singhateh, Specialty Clothing Design.   Every student that participated in the Youth Engagement Day received 5 or 10 bonus points if they submit their project ideas in the Spring E-ship Fair

Youth have bright ideas that can improve and reinvent our rural communities too.  But youth need help and resources in learning how to move ideas off the drawing board into real life.  Soft skills and communication are so important for being successful today, and activities like Youth Engagement Days and Youth Entrepreneur Fairs can provide those opportunities to our youth.

Youth Showcase Business Ideas

Winners of the 6th Annual Ogallala Commons Regional 
Entrepreneur Fair celebrate in Plainview, Texas

On November 13th, 42 students competed in the 6^th Annual Ogallala Commons Regional Youth Entrepreneur Fair, held at Wayland Baptist University in Plainview, TX.  Aspiring entrepreneurs from New Deal, Plainview, Dimmitt, Tulia, and Nazareth displayed 21 business ideas, and top finishers received cash prizes totaling $4,500. 

The following youth entrepreneurs were awarded prizes in the “Ready-to-Go business category: 1st place ($1000) Jordan Smoot and Jessica Walker, Tulia, Kupcake Kuties; 2^nd Place ($750) Haley Raymond, Plainview, Attic Treasures; 3^rd Place ($500) Daniel Buck, Dimmitt, Daniel’s RV Park.

(L-R): Darryl Birkenfeld, Ogallala Commons Director, Adrie Lopez,
Emarie Marten, Estafania Saldana, and Amy Henderson,
Vice-President and Commercial Loan Officer,
Amarillo National Bank
Photo by Heath Acker

In the “Still-in-the-Future” business category: 1^st place ($1,000) Adrie Lopez, Estephania Saldana, and Emarie Marten, Friona, Remember When; 2^nd place ($750) Courtney Thornton, Criselda Olivarez, Trace Johnson, Mariah Powell, and Saragosa Rodriquez, Tulia, Puzzles; and 3^rd place ($500) Marisol Quitana and Iris Ocon, Dimmitt, Fashionably Delicious. 

Prize money donors for the Fair were City of Tulia EDC, Peoples Bank-Nazareth, Deaf Smith Electric Cooperative, Happy State Bank, First Bank Muleshe, Amarillo National Bank, Swisher Electric Cooperative, John Bertsch, CFP, and Cargill Feeders, Inc. Sponsors for the Youth E-Fair were West Texas A&M Enterprise Center, West Texas A&M University Small Business Development Center, Plainview Main Street/CVB, along with Ogallala Commons.

Partnering to Create Community Internships
Ogallala Commons is distributing its 2013 Community Internship Partner Guidebook across 7 states, identifying and informing communities, businesses, and organizations about the benefits of creating internships that can enrich both interns and local communities.  On Dec. 4^th, OC held a Community Partnering Meeting at Wayland Baptist University in Plainview, TX, and shared information and built contacts with new organizations and businesses, as well as career services representatives from area universities.  In 2013, OC aims to create over 60 Community Internships.  To obtain information or an application for a Community Internship, contact Julie Hodges, OC Education Coordinator (juliehodges@prairieworkshop.com)

Support our Annual Appeal

Want to help Ogallala Commons with its growing Community Internships Program?  Your tax-deductible contribution to Ogallala Commons will directly support 60 Community Interns in Texas, Kansas, Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, South Dakota, and Oklahoma in 2013.  For your convenience, we have set up an online contribution system using PayPal. Simply click here to make a contribution now.  If you would rather mail in your contribution, print out the attached contribution form and fill it out to enclose with your contribution.  The address for Ogallala Commons is PO BOX 346, Nazareth, TX 79063.  We appreciate your support!

October News

Learning About Water

Ogallala Commons is conducting water education for schools in the Texas Panhandle and Eastern New Mexico with Playa Festivals – a hands-on environmental education program designed to illustrate the challenges of water in the Southern High Plains.  Participants learn about playa wetlands, the Ogallala Aquifer, soils, plants, waterfowl and other wildlife during the day-long event.  After a morning of activities, students visit a nearby playa, salina or river to explore, collect samples and make observations in their nature journals.  Playa Festivals are funded by several regional underground water conservation districts, The Dixon Water Foundation, and Xcel Energy Foundation.

Ogallala Commons’ very own Darryl Birkenfeld and Julie Hodges make presentations at each Festival; additionally, OC provides a unique cast of experienced presenters. Jim Steiert, an author and waterfowler from Hereford, Texas, demonstrate the effectiveness of buffers around wetlands to prevent sedimentation, as well as great information about waterfowl. Justin Trammell, an OC Community Intern, teaches about wetland macroinvertebrates and all tiny creatures that thrill Festival participants.  Gail Barnes, Education Coordinator at the South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Lubbock, brings “wildlife ambassadors” --live animals used for educational programming that have been injured or orphaned, and cannot be released into the wild.  Robert Martin is a herpetologist for The Nature Conservancy and Jessica Kissner is a graduate student from Texas Tech University.  Robert and Jessica’s presentations shed light onto the mysterious world of reptiles and amphibians that inhabit playas and other wetlands.

Engaging Youth and Planning Internships

Ogallala Commons will be partnering with Rawlins County Schools and Rawlins County HTC, and Ogallala Commons for a Youth Engagement Day, to be held at Rawlins County High School in Atwood, Kansas on Wednesday, November 7th from 8:30am to 1:30pm.

With its theme, "A World of Ideas," our Youth Engagement Day is designed for 7-12 Grade students who are interested in community improvement, creating new enterprises and businesses, or building careers through entrepreneurship. It will be an exciting time for students to bring ideas and to grow them through communication and collaboration with others.  Ogallala Commons will conduct two sessions that will focus on creating Community Internships, and cover topics such as how to organize successful internships, how to finance them, how to build work plans, and how youth engagement fit with internships.  OC Board of Directors Simone Cahoj, Bobby Gierisch, and Tom Giessel will be assisting with the Community Partnering presentations.

Youth E-Fair Coming in November

Business ideas from over 60 high schools students are being entered into the 6^th Annual OC Regional Youth Entrepreneur Fair, set for November 13^th in Plainview, TX.  The Fair will be held at the Multi-Purpose Room on the campus of Wayland Baptist University.  During the lunch hour from 12noon to 1:15pm, the general public will be able to tour the booths that display both potential and already-operating businesses of youth entrepreneurs from the area. 

Entrepreneurs will be awarded points by a panel of three judges based on the following criteria: Business Plan, Interview with Judges, Booth Presentation at the Fair, Network of Support, and Financing Strategies.  Besides earning valuable experience in business planning, conducting interviews, and selling a business idea to the public, top finishers in the contest received cash prizes.  Keynote speakers at the 11am session will be 2 former winners of previous Fairs.

Presentations at the Texas Midwest Communities Network (TMCN) Annual Conference

On October 17^th, Julie Hodges traveled to Abilene, Texas, where she presented a “Solution Seminar” on youth engagement activities for communities.  Julie explained OC’s Youth Engagement Programs: Youth Engagement Days, Youth Entrepreneur Fairs and the OC Community Internship Program.  Approximately 80 people attended Julie’s sessions.

Intern Profile: Nellie Hill

Photo: Jade Comstock (DLC Photography)

I am a lover of sunflowers, fields of wheat, I-70 and the Kansas State Wildcats. I am a proud Kansas native who recently became a temporary Texan. My family lives in rural Marion County, Kansas surrounded by CRP grass and an hour from the nearest big-box store. Manhattan became my new home as I attended Kansas State until graduation this past May.   In pursuit of a Master’s in Agricultural Communications, I made the move this past August to Lubbock, Texas [Tech]. My passion for agriculture takes form in communicating with and educating the public about agriculture's impact on their daily lives.  I enjoy sharing the stories of producers and agribusinesses with consumers who have a growing interest in where their food comes from. My long-term goal is to help future agricultural communicators prepare to share the message of agriculture.  After completing my Master’s degree, I hope to work in the industry and later pursue a Doctoral degree and become a professor.  My interests in industry work include communications work for commodity groups, government agriculture agencies or event coordination for university colleges. The Ogallala Commons communications internship will help me reach these goals by keeping me in-tune and giving back to the lands I have always called home. My neighbors, new and old, are affected by the socio-economic, environmental and government actions associated with the aquifer and Great Plains.