10-16-11 *The White House* National Forest Products Week Proclamation

NATIONAL FOREST PRODUCTS WEEK, 2011
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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION
America’s forests have long played an integral role in shaping and developing our Nation. They help us access clean water and air, drive discovery as natural laboratories, and make our communities more beautiful and vibrant places to live. From renewable energy and biofuels to green building materials, forests also provide a wide variety of products that make up an important part of our economy. During National Forest Products Week, we celebrate the value of our woodlands and recommit to careful stewardship and preservation of these national treasures.
Through the America’s Great Outdoors Initiative, my Administration continues to advance a 21st century conservation agenda and ensure we use our precious natural resources sustainably. Meeting the test of environmental stewardship often means finding the best ideas at the grassroots level, and this initiative is guided by the insights of Americans from across our country. From hunters and fishers to tribal leaders and young people, we all have a stake in safeguarding the woodlands we cherish. As we build the foundation for a smarter, more community-driven environmental strategy, we embrace the uniquely American idea that each of us has an equal share in the land around us and an equal responsibility to protect it.

10-16-11 *MC Extension News* Sandy Baker receives Friend of Extension Award…

Sandy Baker, left; is presented the Colorado Epsilon Sigma Phi Friend of Extension award by Gisele Jefferson, Family and Consumer Extension Agent from Golden Plains Area, Washington County.

Sandy Baker, Director of Northeast Colorado Area Agency on Aging (AAA), has been recognized as Friend of Extension by the Colorado Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi, the Extension professionals’ honorary association.

As Director of AAA, Baker has been an important partner assisting Colorado State University Extension professionals in providing health and wellness education to older adults in Northeast Colorado.  Area Agency on Aging has funded training for agents and volunteers to provide A Matter of Balance workshops with the goal of helping older adults reduce falls and maintain independent living. During the past 2 years, over 200 older adults have completed the workshops in Northeast Colorado.

Sandy and Area Agency on Aging have been key partners in the Northeast Colorado Diabetes Health Fair, reaching hundreds of people with current health information and resources. The Northeast AAA is supportive of the Strong People Stay Healthy programs taught by Extension Family and Consumer Agents, and county coordinators are trained to assist facilitating programs.

Baker was nominated for this award by Family and Consumer Extension Agents in Northeast Colorado, Gisele Jefferson and Joy Akey from Golden Plains Area; Luann Boyer, Morgan County; and Linda Dettmer, Logan County.

10-16-11 Statement on World Food Day, October 16, 2011 by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton

Today we remember the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization and re-commit ourselves to ending global hunger.  Food security is a foreign policy priority for the United States.  We must continue to find new and innovative ways to get food into the hands of more people.

Rising food prices earlier this year added millions to the nearly one billion people worldwide who suffer from chronic hunger.  Today in the horn of Africa, more than 13 million people are affected by a severe drought that has led to a food emergency and a refugee crisis, compounded by terrorist group al-Shabaab’s complete disregard for fellow Somali citizens by blocking the delivery of humanitarian aid.  This is the most severe humanitarian emergency in the world and it is critical that the international community continue to work to ensure families have access to adequate food and the resources to purchase it.

The United States will continue to provide food aid during these crisis situations, but long-term solutions to food security must be treated with the same sense of urgency.  That’s why the Obama Administration started our Feed the Future Initiative.  Through it, the United States government is working with partner countries, civil society, the private sector, and other stakeholders to improve access and availability to nutritious food.  And we are teaching families how to ensure their own food security, so that someday help from donors will no longer be needed.

While we recognize that food security cannot be achieved overnight, we are committed to taking steps in the right direction.  We have the know-how, the tools, resources, and, increasingly, the political will to rise to this global challenge.  If we unite as an international community and stay focused on both the challenges and opportunities, we will help more people around the world realize their God-given potential.

 

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